Vikings’ Attempt to Add Edge Rusher Kenny Dyson Jr. Blocked by Contract Disapproval

The Minnesota Vikings’ effort to place former undrafted free agent Kenny Dyson Jr. on either their practice squad or 53-man roster was halted when the NFL’s transaction wire recorded a contract disapproval on September 8. The Athletic’s reporter Alec Lewis noted that the team had tried to sign Dyson after waiving him with an injury settlement, but the league’s ruling left Dyson a free agent.

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Dyson, previously with the Carolina Panthers, was waived by Minnesota with an injury designation, cleared waivers, reverted to injured reserve, and was subsequently released via an injury settlement. Such settlements include a payment period and a mandatory waiting window before a player may re-sign with the same club. The report indicates only 20 days elapsed from Dyson’s initial signing to the Vikings’ practice-squad attempt, and six days after he was placed on IR before the disapproval occurred.

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The disapproval originates from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who must forward the reasoning to the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) by noon on the day of the decision. Over The Cap (OTC) explains that the Vikings and Dyson may file an appeal, which automatically stays the disapproval. An appeal must be lodged within one week of—or after—the team’s first scheduled regular-season game, and the arbitrator’s review is expedited, expected to conclude within five days of filing. If no ruling is issued by the end of the prescribed period or by the day after the club’s third preseason game, the automatic stay ends. A second disapproval of the same player in a league year eliminates the stay unless deemed arbitrary or capricious.

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While Dyson remains eligible to practice and play for the Vikings pending an arbitrator’s decision, the current disapproval prevents his immediate addition to the roster. The Vikings must either revise the contract terms or wait for the appeal outcome before re-engaging the player.

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The parties are expected to file an appeal promptly, triggering the five-day arbitration timeline described by OTC. Should the arbitrator uphold the disapproval, Dyson would remain a free agent; a reversal would allow the Vikings to proceed with signing him under revised conditions.

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