The Minnesota Vikings have further bolstered their roster by signing outside linebacker Matt Harmon and defensive lineman Elijah Williams, the team announced Monday. Both players had participated in the team’s recent rookie minicamp on a tryout basis and evidently impressed the coaching staff enough to earn contracts.
Harmon, a 6-foot-6, 240-pound linebacker, played a significant amount of football at Kent State, spending seven seasons with the Golden Flashes due to injuries and the COVID-19 pandemic. Over his 49 collegiate games, Harmon recorded 105 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, four sacks, seven passes defended, one interception, and two forced fumbles. His most productive season came in 2024, where he registered career highs in tackles (56), tackles for loss (6.5), and sacks (2.0). Harmon will look to contribute as a depth player at outside linebacker and potentially on special teams for the Vikings. His experience and size could be valuable assets as the team heads into the offseason program.
Williams, a 6-foot-2, 285-pound defensive tackle, comes to the Vikings from Morgan State. During his four seasons with the Bears, he was a dominant force on the defensive line, amassing 216 tackles, an impressive 52 tackles for loss, and a school-record 31 sacks in 42 games. His senior year was particularly noteworthy, as he tallied 11 sacks and 15 tackles for loss, earning him the MEAC Defensive Player of the Year award and recognition as a Buck Buchanan Award finalist. Williams’ quickness and disruptive ability were evident during the HBCU Legacy Bowl showcase, further raising his profile. Despite being an undersized defensive tackle by traditional NFL standards, his collegiate production and athleticism have clearly intrigued the Vikings’ coaching staff. He draws some comparisons to former Vikings’ Hall of Fame defensive tackle John Randle, who also overcame size concerns to achieve greatness in Minnesota.
The signings of Harmon and Williams bring the Vikings’ roster to 91 players, utilizing the international exemption for punter Oscar Chapman. For both Harmon and Williams, this opportunity represents a significant step in their professional careers. After successful tryouts, they will now have the chance to compete for a spot on the 53-man roster or, at the very least, a place on the practice squad as they head into organized team activities and training camp. Their performances throughout the offseason will dictate their future with the Vikings.
