Vikings Sign Eight of Nine 2026 Draft Picks Ahead of Rookie Minicamp

The Minnesota Vikings held their rookie minicamp at the TCO Performance Center in Eagan on Friday. Eight of the nine players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft signed rookie contracts, joining veterans such as quarterbacks Cooper Rush and Aidan Bouman. The signings include first-round defensive tackle Caleb Banks, third-round picks Domonique Orange, Caleb Tiernan and Jakobe Thomas, fifth-round selections Max Bredeson and Charles Demmings, sixth-round running back Demond Claiborne, and seventh-round center Gavin Gerhardt. Undrafted tryout defensive tackle Smith Vilbert also secured a contract after the camp. The only unsigned draftee is second-round linebacker Jake Golday.

Sports IllustratedVikings Sign Nearly All Of Their 2026 Draft ClassKSTP-TVKARE11KSTP-TVMinnesota Vikings signed multiple draft picks, but who they didn’t sign is sticking out the mostMinnesota Vikings rookie minicamp roster has fascinating group of invites, along with multiple veterans

All rookie deals follow the NFL’s four-year wage scale, with a fifth-year option for first-rounders. Reported values are: Caleb Banks – $21.282 million; Domonique Orange – $6.982 million; Caleb Tiernan – $6.693 million; Jakobe Thomas – $6.693 million; Max Bredeson – $4.736 million; Charles Demmings – $4.723 million; Demond Claiborne – $4.518 million; Gavin Gerhardt – $4.391 million. Jake Golday’s pending contract is projected at four years and $9.601 million, though exact guarantees remain unsettled.

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Banks, the 18th overall pick, entered camp recovering from a foot injury but participated on an exercise bike and is slated to begin field drills at training camp. Coach Kevin O’Connell expects a “big-time impact” from him in 2026. Golday, selected 49th overall, has not signed, prompting speculation that he seeks a fully guaranteed deal—a trend emerging among recent second-round selections.

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The Vikings confirmed the eight signings via a team announcement and noted Golday’s status as unsigned. Coach O’Connell publicly stated that Banks will have a “big-time impact” once healthy.

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Analysts highlight a growing expectation for fully guaranteed contracts among second-round picks. Recent deals for players such as D’Angelo Ponds (New York Jets) and Nic Scourton (Carolina Panthers) feature high guarantee percentages, suggesting Golday’s leverage may be diminishing.

Minnesota Vikings signed multiple draft picks, but who they didn’t sign is sticking out the most

One source projects Golday’s contract at $9.601 million, while another estimates $9.684 million with $8.744 million guaranteed. The precise terms have not been disclosed, creating uncertainty about the final agreement.

Minnesota Vikings signed multiple draft picks, but who they didn’t sign is sticking out the most

• “big-time impact” — Kevin O’Connell, Vikings head coach

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• “9% of his contract fully guaranteed.” — Adam Schefter, ESPN reporter

Minnesota Vikings signed multiple draft picks, but who they didn’t sign is sticking out the most

Securing eight draft picks solidifies the Vikings’ depth across the defensive line, secondary, and offensive front, while preserving cap flexibility. The unresolved Golday contract underscores the broader league debate over second-round compensation and could influence future draft-day negotiations.

Vikings Sign Nearly All Of Their 2026 Draft Class

All drafted players will report to the voluntary offseason program next week, followed by the full training camp. The Vikings are expected to finalize Golday’s contract before camp begins, completing the 2026 draft class and allowing the team to focus on integrating the newcomers into its scheme.

Vikings Sign Nearly All Of Their 2026 Draft Class