Finally, An Ex-Vikings Pass Rusher Gets Another NFL Opportunity
Were it not for health concerns, ex-Vikings pass rusher Kenny Willekes may have already found employment in the NFL. Better late than never, I suppose.
Consider the update that arrived from Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk: “The Steelers have made a pair of roster moves on Tuesday. Pittsburgh announced the club has signed linebacker Kenny Willekes. A Vikings seventh-round pick in 2020, Willekes appeared in six games for Minnesota in 2021. He recorded 2.5 sacks and seven quarterback hits with one pass defensed. Since late 2023, Willekes has been with the Michigan Panthers of the USFL/UFL.”
Ex-Vikings Pass Rusher Now in the AFC North
Truth be told, the timing isn’t very good for Mr. Willekes.
Teams sign players in the final week of the preseason in an effort to keep the players who are projected to make the final team healthy. Essentially, bring in an assassin-for-hire to soak up snaps. Afterwards, lean into a simple roster cut and move on. Something similar is going on in Minnesota with the decisions to add a running back and an offensive lineman.
But, to be sure, that glib description of Willekes’ circumstances shouldn’t be understood as the final word on his fate. He now has the opportunity to write the next chapter in his story.
All any football player can ask for is a legitimate chance. Once given that chance, the focus shifts toward making the most of it. Willekes is therefore going to want to prove to the coaching staff that he’s capable of being a strong depth option on defense and someone who can put together exemplary football on specials. If he’s successful, a spot on the practice squad could await. Down the road, there could even be a call up to the roster.
All things considered, the Vikings’ 2020 NFL Draft was an impressive one. Justin Jefferson arrived courtesy of the No. 22 pick, a selection that will go down as one of the greatest in franchise history. Being able to snag Josh Metellus at No. 205 was also mighty impressive.
Other players who arrived within that draft haul include offensive lineman Ezra Cleveland, corner Cameron Dantlzer (freshly signed), edge rusher D.J. Wonnum, linebacker Troy Dye, receiver K.J. Osborn, and offensive lineman Blake Brandel (trade candidate?). And, of course, Mr. Kenny Willekes at No. 225.
Over on Vikings Territory, Dustin Baker chatted about Willekes’ career in Minnesota: “He later banked 202 defensive snaps in Minnesota, all in 2021, and totaled 9 quarterback pressures, 2.5 sacks, and 18 total tackles. Thereafter, injuries habitually sullied Willekes’ time in the Twin Cities. There was always something wrong with him, preventing him from reaching the regular season roster.”
Seeing him get another shot in the NFL is indeed good news. The defender offers great effort and hustle, toughness and competitiveness. At the very least, one could envision a world where Willekes functions as a strong option on a practice squad with the ability to get activated for games in a pinch. He won’t cede ground easily when tossed onto the field, relying on a strong motor to make an impact.
Kenny Willekes, 28, stands at 6’3″ and weighs 264 pounds. If he makes Pittsburgh’s roster, Willekes will take on the Vikings in Week 4 within the Dublin game.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this piece.
