Promising Vikings Defender Is Officially Back for Year 3
Retaining in-house free agents has been a priority for the Minnesota Vikings this offseason. The franchise lost wideout Jalen Nailor and punter Ryan Wright as well as defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Most parts of the roster have returned, however.
Among the returning athletes is defensive lineman Jalen Redmond, who was an exclusive rights free agent. Before free agency kicked off, the front office used the exclusive tender to keep him around for a third season. He has now signed that offer sheet, the franchise announced.
Redmond has been a fun story in the Twin Cities, overcoming his undrafted rookie and spring league status and emerging as one of the most disruptive interior defenders in the NFL.
Because Redmond has just two accrued NFL seasons, he was an exclusive rights free agent rather than, for example, Ivan Pace, who was a restricted free agent. The difference is that restricted free agents generally can negotiate with other teams and the franchise can match. An exclusive rights free agent can’t listen to other offers if he’s tendered.
Redmond staying around has been the expected outcome. He’s now signed through the 2027 season and would be a restricted free agent next year. The Vikings could hand him a long-term extension.
Redmond was a key piece in the middle of Brian Flores’ defensive line as a true disruptor in his second season with the Vikings.
Appearing in all 17 games with 15 starts, Redmond logged 6 sacks and 62 tackles on Minnesota’s defensive line, snatching reps from former Pro Bowlers Allen and Hargrave.
Initially coming into the league as an undrafted rookie with the Carolina Panthers in 2023, he failed to qualify for their 53-man roster and took the long road over the UFL. That’s where the Vikings spotted his talent and brought him in for their training camp in 2024.
It was not the first time his football career was delayed. In college at Oklahoma, blood clots cost him some time and later, he opted out during COVID for the same reason.
Despite excellent preseason play in 2024, he was initially stashed on the practice squad. A few weeks into the season, the Vikings promoted him to the 53-man roster and he slowly carved out a role on the defensive line.
Last training camp, Redmond showed enough promise that the Vikings felt comfortable moving on from Harrison Phillips. The veteran was traded to the Jets, opening the door for Redmond to play a massive role.
PFF analyst Zach Tantillo recently wrote about the two-year Viking, “Redmond emerged as one of the Vikings’ most reliable interior defenders in 2025. He earned a 73.5 PFF overall grade, ranking third among Minnesota defenders. He was especially dominant against the run, where his 30 run stops, 1.46-yard average depth of tackle, and 19.4% positively graded play rate all ranked second-best on the defense.”
After the departure of the two veteran defensive linemen, Redmond will be asked to be the top guy in the room, barring any stunning trade arrivals.
Redmond, 27, stays around for a third season. He could be a building block for years to come.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.