The Latest Vikings Rumors: Uniform Buzz, UDFA Speedster Hype, Jamel Dean
Minnesota Vikings rumors are prevalent at any time on the calendar, but may be especially more relevant during the period between minicamp and training camp — also known as a bit of a dead zone.
The latest Vikings rumors include gossip about new threads, hype for a speedy undrafted free agent, and fodder involving cornerback Jamel Dean. Here’s what’s circulating.
We published two batches of Vikings rumors every weekend, and today is the Saturday, June 28th edition.
You can read last Saturday’s rumors here.
Rumor: The Vikings could wear black helmets in a game before too long.
Newly added cornerback Isaiah Rodgers recently used Instagram to show off a black Vikings helmet in a rather official-looking photo.
The design originated from a hobbyist — who evidently knows Isaiah Rodgers — named Preston Battle. He specializes in creating custom helmets for NFL and NCAA teams.
Preston wrote early this offseason when Rodgers signed with the Vikings and picked up the new black helmet, “My guy Isaiah just got picked up by Minnesota, so you know I had to get him right w a custom Vikings concept helmet for his collection 🙌 He wanted a matte black shell but gave me creative freedom to do the rest — so check out what I came up with!”
“Two different looks, one helmet- a blackout setup with a chrome purple mask, or a “league legal” setup (white bumpers + white chinstrap) and a white mask. What do you all think? Which setup do you guys like best?? Appreciate another opportunity as always to hook my brother up, he’s gonna make waves in MN!”
You can see the footage here.
But the black helmet is just a creative designer’s vision. Despite Rodgers wearing it on Instagram, it has no genuine connection to the Vikings.
More Vikings Rumors, Including Silas Bolden Hype and Jamel Dean Possibilities
WR Silas Bolden could make the regular season roster, and Bleacher Report thinks Jamel Dean could be released.
Rumor: Silas Bolden could end up making the 53-man roster.
Bolden is an undrafted speedster who could end up returning punts for the 2025 Vikings.
Rob Kleifield of Vikings.com detailed Bolden this week: “At Oregon State, Bolden started in No. 83, shifted to No. 7 and then swapped it for a Longhorns No. 11. Now, on the Vikings, he’s returned to 83 (after fourth-year wide receiver Jalen Nailor swapped 83 for 1 this offseason) and is aiming to earn a role in an explosive offense and/or as a game-breaking specialist.”
“While the level has changed and the competition increased, this territory is familiar for Bolden in that he’s used to being discounted because of his stature — and plenty accustomed to shaking off doubters. It helps that what Bolden lacks in size, he multiplies in mental and physical toughness, versatility and explosiveness.”
If the Vikings keep six WRs — Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor, Tai Felton, and Rondale Moore — Bolden could be in sweet shape.
Kleifield added, “Plus, he’s privy to a quasi-roadmap for his continued football trek thanks to his brother. Bolden has the requisite traits to stand out in that capacity. He switches gears in an instant; has dizzying short-area burst and dangerous long speed; and shows a spatial awareness and wiggle that sometimes enables him to run laterally with the ball to acquire an angle and reach greener grass, before stepping on the gas.”
“On every stage, Bolden only has ever needed an opportunity.”
Bolden is a man to watch in July and August. Envisioning a roster spot for him in September is not outlandish.
Rumor: The Buccaneers may release Jamel Dean, an intriguing theory for the Vikings.
Bleacher Report‘s Alex Kay published an article this week that outlined possible surprise roster cuts later this summer. Somehow, Tampa Bay Buccaneers corner Jamel Dean pulled down a mention.
“Dean is due to make $12.5 million in base salary in 2025, the penultimate season of the four-year, $52 million extension he inked ahead of the 2023 season. If the Bucs want to free up more than the $30 million in cap room they currently have available, cutting Dean would provide $12.9 million in immediate financial relief while only incurring $2.3 million in dead money,” Kay explained.
“While he is far from the highest-paid corner in the NFL, his contract is quite weighty given his injury history (he missed a career-high five games last year) and regression in skill. Dean conceded a career-high 69.7 percent completion rate in 2024 and allowed a concerning 66.1 percent completion rate the season prior.”
Dean leaving the Buccaneers’ roster — a wild theory — would spark a flurry of suitor teams.
Kay added, “Those marks are well above the 54.2 percent completion rate he posted over the first four years of his career meaning it could be time for Tampa to part ways with the soon-to-be 29-year-old. While the financial incentives are strong, the Buccaneers also have plenty of reason to move on from Dean after landing two potential replacements in Benjamin Morris and Jacob Parrish on Day 2 of the 2025 draft.”
“A change of scenery could do Dean well. He’s still on the right side of 30 and is just over two years removed from signing a sizable extension commensurate with his contributions. Any team lacking veteran depth should be interested in bringing Dean aboard if the Bucs part ways with the corner.”
This is Dean’s production history from Pro Football Focus:
- 2024: 75.7
- 2023: 74.3
- 2022: 77.9
- 2021: 71.8
- 2020: 76.4
- 2019: 76.4
If Kay has it right and Tampa Bay drops Dean, the Vikings should pounce.
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