Vikings Tryout a Half Dozen Players as the '26 Camp Continues

DeAndre Hopkins runs during conditioning drills at Cardinals training camp in Glendale, Arizona. — Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins participates in conditioning drills alongside teammates as players report for training camp at State Farm Stadium. Hopkins joined a group workout session during early preseason preparations on July 27, 2021, in Glendale, Arizona, as the Cardinals began ramping up football activities ahead of the upcoming NFL campaign. Mandatory Credit: David Wallace-Imagn Images.

A GM’s work is never done. Such a reality is made evident in the recent Vikings tryout that involved bringing some talent to the Twin Cities.

Alec Lewis of The Athletic offered the news that Minnesota brought a half dozen players in for a workout. Check out the details: “The Vikings held some tryouts today for RBs and safeties: — RB Jermar Jefferson — S Glendon Miller — S Wande Owens — RB Dominic Richardson — S D.Q. Smith — RB Marcus Yarns.”

The Vikings Tryout Six Players

Lately, there has been some chatter about what’s taking place at safety.

Harrison Smith remains away from the team. Whether he officially retires remains to be seen but he hasn’t given any indication that he’s coming back. Part of what’s making things a touch more fascinating is that Jamal Adams has been moved back to his normal position. “He’ll play some safety,” Kevin O’Connell confirmed on Sunday.

So, some things to monitor at safety, a vital position in the Brian Flores defense.

NFL: Washington Commanders at Minnesota Vikings — Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings free safety Harrison Smith (22) intercepts a pass against the Washington Commanders during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The trio of defensive backs to be brought to town — Miller, Owens, and Smith — all boast nice size. Check out the basic details:

Glendon Miller: 6’2″ and 206 Pounds
Wande Owens: 5’11” and 210 Pounds
DQ Smith: 6’1″ and 219 Pounds

At least traditionally, the builds are that of box safeties rather than those tasked with playing center field 40 yards down the field (but Flores can strain what’s normal or expected of different body types). Think closer to Josh Metellus than Cam Bynum.

Note, as well, that all of these lads are young and reasonably unheralded. None were drafted, instead getting tossed into the NFL after agreeing to UDFA deals either after the 2025 or 2026 NFL Drafts.

At running back, the Vikings boast some nice talent but nobody who could confidently be called elite. In particular, the Vikings will be leaning on Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason (said to be in excellent shape). There’s then rookie speedster Demond Claiborne alongside rookie thumper Max Bredeson (a sledgehammer). Both of these guys will make the roster.

Otherwise, note the presence of Zavier Scott, somebody with a great build and silky mitts. Good chance a team scoops him up for a 53-man roster if he doesn’t get onto Minnesota’s final team.

Consider some of the basics for the runners who worked out for the Vikings:

Jermar Jefferson: 5’10” and 212 Pounds
Dominiq Richardson: 5’11” and 204 Pounds
Marcus Yarns: 5’10” and 198 Pounds

Whoever gets added, if any at all, will be tasked with depth duty. Showing an ability on specials will be key. So, too, would it be a boost to provide an ability to do the little things well on offense. Pass blocking, ball security, and even lining up in the correct spot every time. Those small details matter to a football coach.

The Vikings get back to work at practice later today.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.