On an annual basis, the Vikings inspire hope for what the batch of UDFA talent is capable of accomplishing. The 2026 haul is no different, but it’s helpful to shrink things down to the Vikings’ top 3 names to know.
Prior to hiring GM Nolan Teasley, Rob Brzezinski was getting the final call on roster decisions. He continued the longstanding pattern of being aggressive once the 7th Round finished off (PurplePTSD offers the full tally of UDFA deals). Check out a trio of youngsters — one for each offense, defense, and specials — to track in the offseason competition.
The Vikings’ Top 3 UDFA Talents to Know
No. 1 — WR Dillon Bell
Already, Mr. Bell has inspired plenty of optimism.
Spending some time watching him at minicamp clarified why there’s so much buzz. The rookie receiver boasts good size and knows how to cut violently. Athletic trainers are going to need more tape to fix up the broken ankles of the poor defensive backs trying to slow Bell down.
Best case for him in 2026 is a job as the WR4. So, too, does he have a shot to play a large role on special teams. The kickoff returner job is wide open and he’s battling with Myles Price to be the PR1 (but appears unlikely to overcome Price).
Expect lots of highlights of Dillon Bell during the offseason. Lots of potential.
No. 2 — P Brett Thorson
If the only criteria were punting the ball, then Brett Thorson would have a better chance of making the final roster. What’s a touch uncertain, though, is his ability as a holder.
Consider what special teams coordinator Matt Daniels had to say: “I watched over 300 snaps of this guy at practice and there’s no issue with the holding.” More broadly, Daniels did say that Thorson has good hands.
Now, the obvious caveat: practice isn’t a game (cue the Allen Iverson video). Holding becomes much more difficult when there are massive linemen trying to disrupt the play as 65,000 Minnesota fans go berserk in the stands. Can Thorson do well in that environment? What about when the wind is swirling at Soldier Field or when there’s a blizzard at Lambeau?
Thorson offers a booming punt, capable of giving his team healthy field position. He’s operating under a UDFA contract that sees $90,000 guaranteed, per OTC. Not a bad payday for an undrafted punter but not a hindrance for cutting him.
No. 3 — S Jacob Thomas
In April, the Vikings added a young safety named Jakoke Thomas in the 3rd Round. He is 22 and is listed as being 6’1″ and 211 pounds. After the draft concluded, there was then a move to add Jacob Thomas. The 22-year-old safety is listed at 6’1″ and 212 pounds.
So, a touch confusing.
The UDFA safety was listed as the 131st overall safety among 937 who qualified for the PFF ranking last year. He boasted a healthy 77.9 grade for James Madison. Most impressive is his 86.3 pass rush grade.
The safety played 320 snaps in the box, 250 as a free safety, 156 in the slot, 57 along the d-line, and 4 as a wide corner. Consider, as well, that he offered his team a pile of snaps on specials, playing a substantial role on kickoff coverage, punt coverage, punt return, and FG/XP block.
Minnesota gave the young lad $160,000 guaranteed to become a Viking.
Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.