Unsigned Vikings Starter Signs with Saints
NFL free agency launched back in March, and former Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Jonathan Bullard did not find a new place of employment — until Saturday.
After over four months, one former Vikings starter has chosen the New Orleans Saints as his next NFL destination, hoping to make the 53-man roster next month.
The veteran defensive tackle received his marching orders this weekend, joining the New Orleans Saints, where he’ll hope to latch onto the active roster for the 2025 campaign.
Jonathan Bullard Stays in the NFC
The ex-Vikings DT ended the free agency drought.
It’s the Saints for Jonathan Bullard
Vikings fans didn’t endorse Bullard’s return to Minnesota too loudly in 2025, mainly because of other reinforcements, and the defensive trenchman ultimately picked New Orleans instead.
NFL Network‘s Mike Garafolo tweeted Saturday, “The Saints have agreed to terms with DE Jonathan Bullard, per his agent Jon Perzley of SportsStars. The former Vikings lineman visited New Orleans last month and now officially reunites with Brandon Staley, a coach with the Bears when Bullard played for Chicago.”
Equipped with a new coaching staff, led by Kellen Moore and the aforementioned Brandon Staley, Bullard will try New Orleans on for size. It’s a done deal.
The DT Crew for New Orleans
Bullard joins a thick group of Saints defensive tackles:
- Bryan Bresee
- Davon Godchaux
- Vernon Broughton
- Jonathan Bullard
- Khalen Saunders
- Jonah Williams
- Nathan Shepherd
- John Ridgeway III
- Khristian Boyd
- Omari Thomas
New Orleans will likely keep five or six of those interior defensive linemen for the 53-man roster next month, meaning Bullard has a decent chance to make the cut. His connection to Staley can’t hurt his case. Bullard also specializes in stopping the run, which will come in handy for the Saints and their new coaching staff this fall.
Vikings DTs without Jonathan Bullard
Minnesota, meanwhile, totally revamped its defensive tackle operation.
Bullard wasn’t a priority to re-sign because general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah signed and drafted impactful replacements, leaving Bullard out in the cold. The Vikings used free agency to onboard Jonathan Allen from the Washington Commanders and Javon Hargrave of the San Francisco 49ers — two DTs with Pro Bowl resumes.
Then, six weeks later, Adofo-Mensah pulled Georgia’s Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins from Round 5 of the 2025 NFL Draft, perhaps sealing the deal on needing any help from Bullard in 2025 or beyond.
For Minnesota at DT, the offseason featured out with the old and in with the new.
Bullard’s Legacy in MIN
Bullard signed in Minnesota at the start of Adofo-Mensah’s tenure, aligning with, as well, the arrival of head coach Kevin O’Connell. He contributed — even starting at times — in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
The 31-year-old didn’t generate much pressure or sacks on quarterbacks, but per his modus operandi, Bullard served a run-plugging role with Ed Donatell at the helm in 2022 and Brian Flores in 2023 and 2024.
Allen and Hargrave won’t bring a “one-trick pony” resume to Minnesota. Each stops the run and gets after quarterbacks.
Saints-Themed Media on Bullard
Saints Wire‘s John Sigler wrote about Bullard to New Orleans: “The 31-year old free agent played for Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley when they were both on the Chicago Bears in 2017 and 2018. The Saints have signed several of Staley’s former players, but Bullard might have the highest profile.”
“He was drafted out of Florida by the Bears with the 72nd overall pick in 2016, and has since played for five different teams: Chicago, of course, plus the Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons, and Minnesota Vikings. He’s regarded as a strong run stopper who can add some flexibility to the front at a listed 6-foot-3, 290 pounds.”
Running back Cam Akers, who played for the Vikings in 2023 and 2024, also signed with the Saints this offseason.
Sigled added, “While he isn’t known for his skills as a pass rusher, Bullard plays with heavy hands and can push the pocket. Bullard started all 34 games he appeared in with Minnesota the last two years, as well as their lone playoff game.”
“Look for him to move around as a 3-tech defensive tackle and 5-tech defensive end rushing against guards, while sometimes sliding further outside. He’ll be competing for snaps with NFL veterans like Jonah Williams and Chris Rumph II (who each played for Staley) as well as rookie draft pick Vernon Broughton.”
Bullard will turn 32 in October.
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