Vikings Retain Breakout Defensive Tackle Jalen Redmond

Minnesota secures Redmond with a tender, preserving iDL continuity while leaving room for a longer deal.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Minnesota Vikings have tendered defensive tackle Jalen Redmond, ensuring he will return for the 2026 season. Redmond emerged as a disruptive force on the Vikings' defensive line in 2025, earning a 72.7 PFF grade and recording six sacks. The team has cleared the path for Redmond to be back while negotiating a long-term extension.

Why it matters

Redmond's return stabilizes Minnesota's interior defensive line after the team released veterans Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. As an undrafted free agent who found success with the Vikings, Redmond's continued development is a crucial win for the team's scouting department.

The details

The Vikings placed a restricted free agent tender on Redmond, 26, who appeared in all 17 games for the team last season, starting 15. He totaled 62 tackles, six sacks, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and five pass breakups. Redmond entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Panthers in 2023 before playing in the XFL and joining the Vikings in 2024.

  • Redmond was tendered by the Vikings on Wednesday, March 5, 2026.

The players

Jalen Redmond

A 26-year-old defensive tackle who emerged as a disruptive force on the Vikings' defensive line in 2025.

Jonathan Allen

A former Vikings defensive tackle who was released as a cap casualty.

Javon Hargrave

A former Vikings defensive tackle who was released as a cap casualty.

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What they’re saying

“The Vikings are placing a restricted free agent tender on defensive lineman Jalen Redmond, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports. Redmond, 26, appeared in all 17 games for the Vikings last season, starting 15 games. He totaled 62 tackles, six sacks, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and five pass breakups.”

— Charean Williams, NBC Sports (NBC Sports)

What’s next

The Vikings will now work to negotiate a long-term extension with Redmond.

The takeaway

Redmond's emergence as a disruptive force on the Vikings' defensive line is a crucial success story for the team's scouting department, providing stability and continuity on the interior of the defensive line after the departures of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave.