By Sunday 
The Minnesota Vikings are making quiet but calculated moves as training camp unfolds, and their latest roster tweak brings a familiar face from a division rival.
Veteran Depth in the Trenches
On Thursday, the Vikings signed offensive tackle Matt Nelson, a former Detroit Lion who brings size, experience, and versatility to Minnesota’s offensive line room. While this isn’t a flashy headline-grabber, it’s the kind of move that can pay dividends as the season wears on.
Nelson, now 29, logged 43 games with the Lions between 2020 and 2023 — including 11 starts in 2021, a season Detroit fans might want to forget (three wins, for the record). Still, Nelson carved out a role, often playing right tackle or as a jumbo sixth lineman in heavy formations.
Originally an undrafted free agent from Iowa, Nelson has bounced around a bit, even spending time with the New York Giants last offseason. Now, he’s looking to stick in purple.
A Move That Speaks to Strategy
This signing isn’t just about bringing in another big body (though at 6’7” and over 300 pounds, he is that). It’s about insurance. The Vikings’ current offensive tackle depth behind starters Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill includes young names like Walter Rouse, Justin Skule, and rookie Logan Brown. Nelson adds a steady veteran presence, someone who knows the NFC North landscape well.
To make room, Minnesota waived rookie defensive lineman Alexander Williams, who came into camp as an intriguing but ultimately raw prospect. Williams has the size — 6’7”, 291 pounds — but injuries and a scattered college resume kept him from making a splash.
What This Means Going Forward
With this move, Minnesota is clearly looking to shore up the offensive line as a priority. It might not be the sexiest part of roster building, but it’s arguably one of the most crucial. And for Matt Nelson, it’s a shot to prove he still belongs in the league — this time wearing a new color.
Will he be more than a depth piece? That remains to be seen. But for now, Nelson’s journey continues, and it just took a turn up north.