Minnesota Vikings Add More Depth to OL

The last few seasons the Minnesota Vikings offensive and defensive lines have been talking points. No, not the good kind either. Kevin O’Connell has a strong roster that is ready to win now. That doesn’t mean he shouldn’t have contingency plans in place.

Last season Minnesota needed to swing a trade for tackle Cam Robinson after Christian Darrisaw suffered a season-ending injury. This time around they have veteran Justin Skule in tow, but Matt Nelson joins him as another potential option.

Matt Nelson signs with Minnesota Vikings

Ideally the Minnesota Vikings wouldn’t need any help at either of their tackle positions. Brian O’Neill and Christian Darrisaw are among the best bookends across the entire league. If depth is to be called upon though, they have at least continued to make that a focus.

The #Vikings have signed OL Matt Nelson and waived/injured DL Alexander Williams.

📰: https://t.co/8d3WZiR9qY pic.twitter.com/l3jDIDgUbw

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) July 31, 2025

Matt Nelson joins the Vikings after playing his first four NFL seasons with the Detroit Lions. Undrafted out of Iowa, he has 43 professional games under his belt and has drawn 14 starts. He originally worked as a defensive tackle for Detroit, but shifted to right tackle in 2021 and started 11 of the 13 games he played that season.

He was signed by the New York Giants in March of 2024 but was a roster cut in August and didn’t play in the league last year.

Related: Former MN Vikings RB Hangs Up Cleats

Minnesota waived Alexander Williams to make room for the new tackle. Williams started his college career in 2018 with Ohio State, and finished it by playing six games for Middle Tennessee State last season.