The Vikings Found Gold on the Defensive Line
The Minnesota Vikings have quietly uncovered value in unexpected places. Few recent players embody that philosophy better than Jalen Redmond. Once an undrafted defensive tackle fighting for roster spots, Redmond has emerged as a standout starter on Minnesota’s defensive line. Redmond made such an impact in training camp and preseason that his development helped shape one of the franchise’s most notable roster decisions before the season started.
Redmond’s Unconventional Path
Redmond’s NFL path was anything but straightforward. At Oklahoma, injuries—including blood clots in 2019 and a knee injury in 2021—hampered his college career. He totaled 19 starts, 14 sacks, and 31.5 TFLs. Missing games contributed to him going undrafted in 2023. He signed with the Panthers as a free agent, but like many undrafted players, his stint was brief. With Carolina moving on, Redmond sought other ways to keep his NFL dream alive.
Redmond didn’t give up, choosing to play in the United Football League (UFL) with the Arlington Renegades. There, he showcased the quickness and interior pass-rush ability that had once made him a 4-star recruit. His UFL playing time paid off, catching the eye of scouts.
In the summer of 2024, the Minnesota Vikings signed Redmond. It wasn’t seen as a splashy move. He was viewed as a depth piece, fighting for a roster spot in a crowded defensive line room. By the end of camp, it was clear Redmond was more than just a camp body.
He made the Vikings’ 53-man roster and bounced between the practice squad and active roster until late in the season. At one point, he started in place of Jerry Tillery, and he flashed. His burst off the snap, tackles for loss, and batting down balls got the attention of coaches and fans.
Even though he wasn’t immediately a full-time starter, he rotated in regularly and maximized his snaps. These opportunities spotlighted his potential heading into the 2025 season. He proved capable against the run and created disruption in the interior on passing downs, something the Vikings’ defense had been missing.
Minnesota’s view of Jalen Redmond shifted, seeing him as more than a depth piece. This confidence led to one of the biggest 2025 offseason moves: trading veteran defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, a leader on and off the field, to the New York Jets shortly before the season. The coaching staff and GM believed Redmond could handle a starter’s workload and trusted their depth at the position.
From an age and contract standpoint, Redmond’s emergence has been invaluable. He is now under a team-friendly exclusive rights free agent (ERFA) contract. This lets the Vikings keep Redmond at a fraction of the typical market cost.
After a strong 2025 (62 tackles, 6 sacks, 12 TFLs, 1FF, 2 FRs), he will likely get a contract above the minimum tender. Locking up a young talent like Redmond at a good price gives Minnesota flexibility to address other roster needs.
As the Vikings face the possibility of disruption to their defensive identity if coordinator Brian Flores leaves for a head coaching job, Jalen Redmond will be a core piece of the defense. Redmond’s story is special.
He was undrafted, didn’t make the Panthers, and had to prove himself in the UFL. The defender clawed his way from the practice squad to earn opportunities with the Vikings, and now he is a key part of the organization.
He represents the team’s ability to identify and develop talent outside of the draft. Those strides don’t happen overnight; he worked hard to get here. There’s a chance Redmond has not reached his full potential yet. He is just now coming into his prime at age 26.
For Minnesota, Redmond isn’t just a feel-good story anymore. Other teams have taken notice and have spoken openly to the media about being a player who stands out on tape for the Vikings. He even received a vote for the All-Pro teams and potentially should’ve been in Pro Bowl conversations.
Without question, Jalen Redmond is now firmly a rising star on this defense and is going to be a problem for opposing teams in 2026.
