Fascinating offseason Minnesota Vikings signing shuts door on playing in the NFL during 2026 season

One of the more intriguing signings the Minnesota Vikings made this offseason has decided to make other plans for the future.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Sep 30, 2023; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars offensive tackle Patrick Paul (76) blocks Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive tackle Jaylon Hutchings (95) in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field.
Sep 30, 2023; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars offensive tackle Patrick Paul (76) blocks Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive tackle Jaylon Hutchings (95) in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The last tow years, the Minnesota Vikings have struck gold after rookie minicamp, finding talent on the defensive line.

In June of 2024, they signed Jalen Redmond to be the 90th man on the roster. Not only did he make the roster, Redmond has turned into one of the best players on the roster. Talks are likely beginning about a potential extension for Redmond, who is the best defensive lineman on Brian Flores’ defense.

After rookie minicamp last May, the Vikings added Elijah Williams, who made the 53-man roster. He was stellar in training camp, and even got first-team reps at defensive end during OTAs.

Jaylon Hutchings re-signs with Calgary Stampeders

This offseason, the Vikings signed defensive tackle Jaylon Hutchings from the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders and he was primed to be the next rare find. Unfortunately, the Vikings ended up releasing him due to a multi-week injury.

My hope was the Vikings would end up bringing him back. Hutchings was an All-CFL player and the Most Outstanding Defender in the 2025 season. With his frame and playstyle being a good comparison for Redmond, it looked like a great fit for Brian Flores’ defense.

The Vikings won’t have an opportunity to bring him back after all. On the eve of the CFL season, Hutchings has decided to re-sign with the Stampeders on a three-year deal.

It’s not uncommon for players to be released when they are injured during the offseason after signing futures contracts. It’s one reason why Wolfson above that the Vikings would re-evaluate. Drafting defensive lineman with two of their first three picks made it a little easier for the Vikings to move on from Hutchings

Being that he signed a three-year deal with the Stampeders, it’s highly unlikely that Hutchings will be coming back to the NFL any time soon. It’s a tough break for the Vikings, but Hutchings is primed to be a standout in the CFL starting this week.

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