Vikings Bring 4 Players to Town to Compete for a Roster Spot, Onboard a New OLB

New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh and Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell chat following a Minnesota Vikings — Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Football, a physical sport, tends to reward teams with ample in-house talent. The Vikings bringing some players in for a workout therefore arrives as a reasonable thing to do.

On social media, Alec Lewis (The Athletic) sent along the update. He explains, “The Vikings held four more tryouts today: — DT Jared Dawson — LB Tony Anyanwu — LB Kenny Dyson — DT Kody Huisman.” As a basic point of clarification, Lewis sent along the word on Sunday, August 16th, the day after Minnesota took down the Giants by a score of 13-10.

Since then, the team itself has announced that Mr. Dyson has been signed. To make room, Minnesota moved on from edge rusher Arden Walker.

Vikings Bring 4 Players to Town for Workout

Not long ago, the Vikings conducted a different workout. The past version involved prioritizing running backs and safety talent. Minnesota’s move was to add Jermar Jefferson afterwards.

Consider, as well, that the Vikings just conducted a pair of roster moves by shuffling veteran safety Jamal Adams to the IR. Doing so cleared the needed room to sign corner Bryce Phillips, who originally got into the NFL as an undrafted talent. His stay in Kansas City was short; his focus will rest in making Minnesota’s roster better.

NCAA Football: Southern California at Notre Dame — Oct 18, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) passes the ball while Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Jared Dawson (93)defends in the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Consider some of the basic information for the four players mentioned up top.

DT Jared Dawson is an undersized talent who played his college ball for Louisville and Notre Dame. His 2025 season involved 20 tackles to stand alongside 0.5 sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss. In all likelihood, he would get slotted into a 3T/5T job in the NFL.

Linebacker Tony Anyanwu offers more impressive statistics. While playing for Rice in 2025, the ‘backer put 64 tackles onto the stat sheet. What inspires more optimism are the 6.5 sacks and 8 tackles for loss.

Next, there’s linebacker Kenny Dyson, who has been added to fortify the edge rusher spot. He’s listed as being 6’3″ and 235 pounds. Previously, he has played for the Panthers. Recent years have seen Carolina scoop up jettisoned Vikings in S Xavier Woods, WR Adam Thielen, EDGE Patrick Jones, and EDGE D.J. Wonnum (among others). A reversal has taken place.

Finally, DT Kody Huisman got brought in for some work. He played for Virginia Tech (like Christian Darrisaw). He, too, would be tasked with a 3T/5T job as somebody who isn’t huge in the same way as somebody such as Domonique Orange.

Jordan Love against the Vikings defense in 2025 — Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; A view of the line of scrimmage during the first half of a game between Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

At minimum, the extra work to bring the other players to town means Minnesota gains added information to work with should there be any need for help in the future. Information is never a bad thing.

In the meantime, Dyson will be looking to prove capable of supporting the Vikings’ pass rushing effort in the 2026 season.

The Vikings will host the Ravens this week for joint practices. There will then be a preseason game played inside U.S. Bank Stadium. Be sure to swing by for VT’s offering of coverage.

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