What happened
The Minnesota Vikings have signed eight of their nine selections from the 2026 NFL Draft class, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. First-round defensive tackle Caleb Banks is among those under contract. Second-round pick Jake Golday is the lone unsigned member of the class.
Why it matters
Getting rookies signed before training camp avoids holdouts and lets coaches install schemes without contract distractions. The Vikings are leaning on this draft class to backfill a defense that just shed veteran salary, including the recent trade of EDGE Jonathan Greenard to Philadelphia that saved $34M in cap space. Banks in particular projects as a Day 1 rotational piece on the interior.
What to watch
Watch for Golday's deal to close before rookie minicamp, and for the NFL schedule release on May 14 to set Minnesota's 2026 slate.