Minnesota Vikings salary cap moves roster creates clear path for unheralded signing with similar path to Jalen Redmond

Without both Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, the Vikings have opportunities for players to step up on the defensive line.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Jun 7, 2025; Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hamilton Tiger-Cats quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell (19) is pressured by Jaylon Hutchings (96) and looks to pass against the Calgary Stampeders during the second half at McMahon Stadium.
Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

We knew that the salary cap was going to be a major problem for the Minnesota Vikings this offseason. They were more than $45 million over the salary cap, and reported moves have already come out, as running back Aaron Jones, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen are set to be released if a trade partner cannot be found.

Gutting the defensive line is a bold strategy, especially since they were one of the best units in the NFL in terms of pressures on the quarterback, along with contributing to 49 sacks. It’s not the most ideal scenario for Brian Flores’ defense, but it does open up opportunities for players who are backups to come in and thrive.

Jaylon Hutchings has big opportunity to make a big impression

Right after the season, the NFL opens the window to allow CFL players to sign futures contracts with teams. We see numerous players take visits to NFL teams, including the Vikings, bringing in All-CFL returner Trey Vaval, and they ended up signing two players from the Calgary Stampeders: defensive tackle Jaylon Hutchings and linebacker Jacob Roberts.

Roberts has a chance to be a contributor, but it’s Hutchings who could be a true difference maker for the Vikings. His path is incredibly similar to that of Jalen Redmond. Both players:

  • Went undrafted
  • Were cut by their first NFL team
  • Left the NFL and thrived in another professional league
  • Signed with the Vikings

It’s too much to say that Hutchings is going to be a major contributor, let alone a star for the Vikings, but the parallels are hard to ignore. The hype comes initially from his play as the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defender, where he was a consistent disruptor and logged 8.0 sacks.

As a 3T defensive tackle, Hutchings will likely be asked to play a similar role to Redmond as a gap shooting pass rusher who can play stout run defense. Luckily for Hutchings, that’s his game. I got my hands on some all-24 (12 players on each side in the Canadian game), and his scouting report is really promising.

Strengths

  • Powerful hands rock offensive lineman back in their stance, and he pairs it with good hand placement
  • Displays quick interior burst to penetrate the hole
  • Gets shown a lot of respect with double teams
  • Displays a bevy of pass rush moves: Swim, club/rip, 
  • Shows the ability to stack and shed in the run game

Weaknesses

  • Can get pushed back with double teams
  • Will use secondary moves/counters, but doesn’t have a go-to 
  • Length can stop him in his tracks

While the profile is really interesting, it’s far from a certainty that Hutchings is going to play a significant role for the Vikings. They could sign and draft multiple players high that will make it difficult to make the roster. Plus, the likes of Levi Drake Rodriguez, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, and Elijah Williams are going to be ready to step up in a bigger role.

When you ask yourself about the future on the defensive line, don’t forget about Hutchings. It may be an uphill battle to make the roster when training camp hits, but he can play.

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