QB Brett Rypien
The nephew of Super Bowl XXVI MVP Mark Rypien was claimed off waivers from Indianapolis, who scooped him up after he was released by Cincinnati, on Dec. 23. Brett Rypien was unheralded but important in his first stint with the Vikings, running the scout offense during the club’s 14 wins in 2024. He has learned from the likes of Matthew Stafford, Aaron Rodgers and Joe Burrow on his QB journey.
2025 stats: 0-for-1 passing; one sack taken on three offensive snaps
Career stats: 98-for-168 passing (58.3%); 950 yards; four TDs; nine INTs; 59.9 passer rating
T Justin Skule
Skule was counted on in training camp to relieve Christian Darrisaw in the latter stages of his ACL recovery, and he wound up playing a prominent role in the regular season as the injury bug kept biting. The swing tackle manned both flanks and assumed the ninth-most offensive snaps (578) on the roster. Skule won’t be 30 until mid-November, and suddenly has more starts since 2024 (14) than 2019-23 (12).
2025 stats: 16 games (nine starts); three penalties; seven sacks allowed (Pro Football Focus)
Career stats: 82 games (26 starts); 11 penalties; 19 sacks allowed