In a surprising move that has NFL fans buzzing, the Minnesota Vikings have signed veteran tight end Nick Vannett to bolster their roster, as reported by NFL insider Adam Schefter on Monday afternoon. To make room for the journeyman, the team waived offensive tackle Marcellus Johnson, signaling a shift in their offensive strategy as they gear up for the season.
Vannett, a former Ohio State standout, burst onto the NFL scene as a third-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks in 2016. Since then, his career has been a whirlwind tour across the league, with stints on seven different teams, most recently with the Tennessee Titans in 2024. His journeyman status speaks to both his adaptability and the challenges he’s faced in finding a permanent home.
Vikings have signed veteran TE Nick Vannett and waived T Marcellus Johnson.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 4, 2025
Over nine professional seasons, Vannett has racked up 108 receptions for 1,012 yards and nine touchdowns. His peak performance came in 2018 with the Seahawks, where he hauled in a career-high 269 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his potential as a reliable target. He matched that touchdown total in 2024 with the Titans, catching 17 passes for 135 yards, but consistency has eluded him throughout his career. Bouncing between teams and roles, Vannett has yet to establish himself as a go-to option in any offense.
Now, Vannett steps into a crowded Vikings tight end room headlined by star TJ Hockenson, a Pro Bowl talent known for his dynamic playmaking. Alongside Hockenson, Josh Oliver brings veteran savvy, while rookie Gavin Bartholomew adds youthful potential. With such a stacked group, Vannett’s path to a roster spot is far from guaranteed. Unless head coach Kevin O’Connell opts to carry more than three tight ends—a rarity in today’s NFL—Vannett will need to prove his worth quickly to stick around.
The signing raises eyebrows not only for its timing but also for Vannett’s fit in Minnesota’s high-octane offense. Can the 32-year-old veteran carve out a niche as a depth piece or situational blocker? Or will his tenure in Minnesota be another brief stop in a career defined by movement? Only time will tell, but for now, the Vikings’ gamble on Vannett adds an intriguing wrinkle to their 2025 campaign.