Breaking News: ESPN Reports Major Signings as Minnesota Vikings Add Two Promising Rookie Linebackers, Following Successful Minicamp
The Vikings made two signings on defense Monday afternoon following their three-day rookie minicamp over the weekend at TCO Performance Center in Eagan.
Outside linebacker Matt Harmon and defensive lineman Elijah Williams bring Minnesota’s roster to 91 players, including Australian punter Oscar Chapman, who has a practice squad exemption as part of the International Player Pathway program.
That means the Vikings have maxed their roster for the offseason. They will cut to the in-season 53-man roster in late August.
The Vikings brought in 14 drafted players and undrafted free agents on offense and 10 on defense for rookie camp. Harmon and Williams were among the additional 20 players who attended on a tryout basis, a group that also included former Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss’ son, Montigo Moss.
Harmon, a 25-year-old from Rockwood, Mich., spent seven seasons playing for Kent State. He appeared in 49 games, peaking at 14 in 2021 and 12 last season, and recorded 105 tackles, four sacks, an interception, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Harmon (6-foot-6, 240 pounds) set career bests in total tackles (56), tackles for loss (6.5) and sacks (2) in 2024.
Williams, 22, played four seasons at Morgan State. He was the MEAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2024 after a career-best 11 sacks, bringing his total for the Bears to 31. He also made 216 career tackles, forced three fumbles and recovered one. Williams (6-foot-3 and 270 pounds) is originally from Jersey City, New Jersey.
The Vikings will hold their first days of organized team activities May 27-28. Mandatory minicamp is set for June 10-12.
Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker of the Minnesota Star Tribune discuss what they saw and heard at the Vikings’ rookie minicamp:
In a significant development within the world of professional football, the Minnesota Vikings have made headlines once again, this time for bolstering their defensive lineup. According to a new ESPN report, the Vikings have finalized the signing of two impressive young rookie linebackers—Matt Harmon and Elijah Williams. These additions come in the wake of a productive offseason minicamp, where both players evidently caught the attention of the coaching staff and front office.
This move marks a continuation of the Vikings’ aggressive offseason strategy, as they aim to fine-tune their roster ahead of the 2025 NFL season. The signing of Harmon and Williams is not just a routine addition—it symbolizes the team’s commitment to injecting fresh energy, raw talent, and long-term potential into their defensive unit.
Matt Harmon, known for his tenacious tackling and high football IQ, made a strong impression during minicamp. Despite being relatively under the radar during the draft process, his performance has proven that he belongs at the professional level. Harmon’s instincts, work ethic, and ability to read the quarterback make him a valuable asset to the Vikings’ linebacker corps. He is seen as someone who could immediately contribute on special teams and potentially earn defensive snaps as he develops.
Elijah Williams, the second linebacker signed, brings a different but equally impactful skill set to the Vikings. A physically imposing presence on the field, Williams has a reputation for speed and aggressive pursuit. His college career was filled with highlight-reel plays, often showcasing his ability to disrupt the backfield and cover ground quickly. At minicamp, he demonstrated a clear understanding of defensive schemes and an eagerness to absorb coaching. This has made the Vikings coaching staff confident in his potential as a future contributor on defense.
The timing of these signings is strategic. With the roster now reaching its offseason maximum, these two rookies join a competitive environment filled with both seasoned veterans and fellow newcomers. The Vikings’ decision to sign both Harmon and Williams right after minicamp suggests that the team not only values their current talent but also sees them as players who can grow within the organization.
These signings also reflect a broader trend in the NFL where teams are increasingly focused on identifying and developing hidden talent. While neither Harmon nor Williams were top-tier draft selections, their performance in practice sessions has earned them the opportunity to compete at the highest level. The Vikings’ front office and coaching staff deserve credit for spotting and nurturing such promising players early in the process.
In conclusion, the Minnesota Vikings have made a notable statement by bringing Matt Harmon and Elijah Williams on board. These moves strengthen their depth at the linebacker position and reinforce their long-term strategy of building a faster, tougher, and smarter defense. As the offseason progresses and training camp nears, all eyes will be on these two rookies to see if they can translate their early promise into on-field production when it counts. This latest development is yet another reminder of the Vikings’ commitment to building a championship-caliber team through strategic scouting and player development.
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