The Minnesota Vikings had a whirlwind week at their mandatory minicamp practices held at TCO Performance Center in Eagan from Tuesday to Thursday. Head coach Kevin O’Connell got one of his first opportunities to see the 2025 Vikings roster, bolstered by recent free agent signings and rookie additions, take the field together this summer. With the roster largely set for the upcoming season, there’s still room for tweaks and surprises around the depth chart—and the team wasted no time making waves.
Vikings Bolster Offensive Line with Rookie Vershon Lee
In a surprising move, the Vikings signed undrafted rookie offensive lineman Vershon Lee on Friday afternoon, following an impressive tryout during Thursday’s minicamp. Lee, who played 51 games (with 40 starts) over five seasons at South Carolina, earned a roster spot by replacing safety Bubba Bolden. While it’s unclear exactly where Lee will fit into Minnesota’s offensive line plans, his performance clearly caught the coaching staff’s eye.
The #Vikings have signed OL Vershon Lee and released S Bubba Bolden. pic.twitter.com/adtxGb6EEw
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) June 13, 2025
The Vikings’ offensive front is undergoing a major overhaul this season, with three new starters: Will Fries and Donovan Jackson at guard, and Ryan Kelly stepping in as the new center. Blake Brandel and Walter Rouse are expected to serve as the primary backups at tackle, leaving Lee, who wore No. 53 for the Gamecocks, to compete for a role on the interior line as training camp approaches.
Bubba Bolden’s Brief Stint Ends Abruptly
The signing of Vershon Lee came at the expense of safety Bubba Bolden, who was cut to make room on the roster. Bolden holds the distinction of being the Vikings’ first free agent signing of the 2025 offseason, inked back in March when free agency opened. However, his tenure with the team was short-lived. After observing Bolden during spring workouts, the Vikings’ coaching staff and defensive coordinator Brian Flores apparently deemed his depth at safety expendable.
The safety position is shaping up to be a focal point for Flores’ defense this season. With Cam Bynum now playing for Indianapolis, Minnesota has promoted Theo Jackson to the starting lineup alongside returning veterans Harrison Smith and Josh Metellus. Bolden’s departure signals confidence in the current group, though the safety depth chart will remain a storyline to watch as the season nears.
Looking Ahead: Preseason and Joint Practices
The Vikings are gearing up for their preseason slate, which kicks off on August 9th with a home game against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. The following week, they’ll host the New England Patriots and hold joint practices with Mike Vrabel’s squad, offering a valuable opportunity to test their revamped roster against outside competition.
As training camp looms, the Vikings’ roster moves—like the addition of Vershon Lee and the release of Bubba Bolden—highlight the team’s aggressive approach to shaping their 2025 lineup. With new faces on the offensive line and a reshuffled secondary, Minnesota is poised for an intriguing season. Stay tuned for more updates as the preseason unfolds!