Minnesota begins voluntary OTAs May 26-27 and May 29, then shifts to mandatory minicamp June 9-11 before training camp starts mid-to-end July. The offseason’s biggest swing is Kyler Murray joining the quarterback room, alongside key additions on both sides of
For several days. the Vikings are trading late-spring workouts for something sharper: the kind of repetition that turns a roster into a plan. They start with voluntary OTAs stretching from May 26-27 and May 29, then continuing June 1-2 and June 4. After that. the schedule tightens with mandatory minicamp June 9-11. followed by a month-long break before training camp begins in mid-to-end July.
There’s also one date to circle for fans: the NFL Hall of Fame game on Aug. 6.
The biggest reason this stretch feels different in Minnesota is the quarterback room. Kyler Murray is the headline addition, arriving as the Vikings’ new signal-caller and seemingly ahead of J.J. McCarthy on the depth chart. The competition already carries a spotlight—McCarthy’s handling of it has drawn attention. and the coaching staff won’t tolerate wasted reps when camp arrives.
Murray’s presence changes what Minnesota expects from its offense. With Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason in the backfield and rookie sixth-round pick Demond Claiborne available to contribute as well. the skill group is built to move. Up front, the offense also adds depth through tight end T.J. Hockenson and a receiving corps built around Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, now bolstered by newly signed Jauan Jennings. The goal isn’t subtle: assemble the kind of attack that can carry a top defense.
It’s hard to ignore how the roster supports that idea. The Vikings had the No. 3-ranked defense in the NFL last season. and this offseason they added more youth and more bodies to keep the unit fresh. First-round defensive tackle Caleb Banks comes in with immediate weight. Second-round linebacker Jake Golday adds another piece. Domonique Orange, a third-round defensive tackle, lands in the middle of the defensive front. Third-round safety Jakobe Thomas joins the secondary, and fifth-round cornerback Charles Demmings rounds out the class.
Minnesota’s defensive room also got extra work in the trenches and at quarterback-like pressure points through other additions: Eric Johnson, the DT; plus Isaiahh Loudermilk, the DT; and James Pierre, the CB. On special teams, Johnny Hekker, the P, is in the mix.
There are also quarterback insurance and stability pieces already on the roster. Carson Wentz, QB, is pre-signed. Andrew DePaola, LS, is pre-signed. Tavierre Thomas, S, is pre-signed.
The draft class itself lays out a clear build. Caleb Banks, DT, went in Round 1. Jake Golday, LB, went in Round 2. Domonique Orange, DT, went in Round 3. Caleb Tiernan, OT, went in Round 3. Jakobe Thomas, S, went in Round 3. Max Bredeson, TE, went in Round 5. Charles Demmings, CB, went in Round 5. Demond Claiborne, RB, went in Round 6. Cavin Gerhardt, C, went in Round 7.
And for all the new faces, there are losses that matter. Ty Chandler, RB, is gone. Jalen Nailor, WR, is gone. Ben Sims, TE, is gone. Justin Skule, OT, is gone. Jonathan Allen, DT, is gone. Javon Hargave, DT, is gone. Ryan Wright, P, is gone.
The season’s central question is simple but not easy: can Minnesota’s offense. anchored by Murray. turn last season’s gap into something more?. If Murray can play at the level he showed in 2020—3. 971 yards. 26 touchdowns. 12 interceptions. and a 94.3 passer rating—or the level he reached in 2021—3. 787 yards. 24 touchdowns. 10 interceptions. and a 100.6 passer rating—the Vikings could surge. The hope is that it turns into a 12-win season. a real shot at a division title. and the chance to win a playoff game.
Right now. it begins the way it always does: with OTAs on the calendar. mandatory minicamp demanding structure. and a quarterback room that’s already moving fast toward training camp in mid-to-end July. For a team that built its identity on defense—No. 3 in the league last season—this offseason is about whether the offense finally matches the standard.
Minnesota Vikings Kyler Murray OTAs mandatory minicamp training camp J.J. McCarthy Justin Jefferson Jauan Jennings Caleb Banks Jake Golday