Minnesota Vikings organized team activities (OTAs) are underway, with all players in attendance despite the sessions being purely voluntary. The full participation includes veterans and rookies alike as the team evaluates talent across multiple position groups ahead of the 2026 season.

A key competition at OTAs involves the starting quarterback role, where Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy are vying for the top spot. The team’s 91-player roster, which includes International Pathway Program participant Brett Thorson, provides depth across the board as coaches assess options at several positions.

Thorson is competing with veteran Johnny Hekker for the punter job. Hekker, a four-time first-team All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowl selection, was ranked 26th in net yards per punt in 2025 and previously won a Super Bowl with Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell during their time with the Los Angeles Rams. Thorson, an Australian punter from the University of Georgia, was named a First-Team All-American in 2025 and won the Ray Guy Award that same year.

At tight end, sixth-round draft pick Gavin Bartholomew is challenging undrafted rookie Ben Yurosek for the TE3 role. Bartholomew missed the entire 2025 season due to a back injury suffered in training camp, while Yurosek appeared in 12 games for the Vikings last year.

The safety position is also seeing competition, with Jay Ward, Theo Jackson, and third-round 2026 draft pick Jakobe Thomas battling for roles behind expected starter Josh Metellus. Veteran Harrison Smith is not anticipated to return to the team in 2026.

On the defensive edge, Bo Richter, Tyler Batty, and Chaz Chambliss are competing for the third edge rusher spot. Richter has played in 31 NFL games, while Batty and Chambliss each appeared in 12 games during the 2025 season. Chambliss has recorded at least one NFL sack. Rookie Jake Golday and two undrafted rookie free agents signed after the 2026 draft add further depth to the group. The Vikings’ confidence in edge rushers Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner allowed them to trade Jonathan Greenard earlier in the offseason.