Promising Vikings D-Lineman Swerves, Signs in Different Football League
In Jaylon Hutchings, the Vikings hoped to have uncovered the next Jalen Redmond. The issue? Just that he’s a former Vikings d-lineman.
Prior to the 2026 NFL Draft, the Vikings moved on due to injury. What then occurred were a pair of early picks getting sunk into the defensive line: Caleb Banks (No. 18, 1st Round) and Domonique Orange (No. 82, 3rd Round). If there had been interest in a return, that possibility got a lot less likely due to these adds, which is to say nothing of putting a large down payment onto an undrafted defensive lineman. Sensibly enough, Mr. Hutchings took his talents back to the CFL.
Former Vikings D-Lineman Goes Back to CFL
The CFL’s website covered the news.
Some simple clarity about what took place: “The Calgary Stampeders have signed American defensive lineman Jaylon Hutchings, the team announced on Sunday. He is now under contract through the 2028 season.”
Calgary’s skipper — Dave Dickenson, who had a strong career as a player in the CFL before becoming a coach — offered his take on the three-year deal: “For him to make a three-year commitment to us is a huge deal. He was a force up front for us last season and his return will further bolster our defence and make us a better team.”
The same CFL piece relayed the thoughts from Hutchings himself: “I’m looking forward to being a part of bringing a Grey Cup back to Calgary.” Note: the CFL doesn’t have a Super Bowl. Rather, the championship is referred to as the Grey Cup, a massive trophy that’s vaguely similar to the Stanley Cup.
Quite possibly, the contract has wording to allow for another shot at the NFL. Envision, for instance, a world where Mr. Hutchings again tears up the trenches within the Canadian Football League. There are then NFL teams willing to bring him aboard. Has Hutchings really boxed himself into a pro league with considerably lower pay? Even the lowest-level of compensation in the NFL is better than the high-end of the CFL, so finances are a factor to consider.
Presumably, there’s an ability to keep chasing the top football league in the world, though that’s mere speculation.
At Texas Tech in 2023, Jaylon Hutchings piled up 44 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and 1 pass defended. He went undrafted, getting a start with the Chicago Bears before journeying to Canada. So, a bit of a yo-yo act as Hutchings moves up and down between Canada and the United States.
As things stand, the Minnesota Vikings are rallying around Mr. Redmond. No longer just a good story, Redmond is a fantastic player who wins at the line of scrimmage. He’ll need support, though.
A youth movement is taking place. Look for Banks, Orange, Levi Drake Rodriguez, Ty Ingram-Dawkins, Elijah Williams, and others to battle for snaps.
Jaylon Hutchings is listed as being 6’0″ and 305 pounds.
