The New Vikings Have New Jersey Numbers
· Yahoo Sports
It’s jersey-number time for the Minnesota Vikings offseason, when the franchise assigns digits to rookies and new veteran players. This year, quarterback Kyler Murray leads the way with his predictable No. 1.
Minnesota’s rookie class and free-agent additions now have official numbers.
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The Vikings drafted nine rookies last month, so we have the nine new jersey numbers for the purple masses.
Rookies and Newcomers Get Their First Vikings Digits
Start thinking about your new jerseys to purchase.
Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks observes drills during Pro Day workouts at Sanders Practice Fields in Gainesville, Florida. During the March 26, 2026, pre-draft showcase, Banks continued drawing NFL attention with his combination of size, explosiveness, and interior pass-rushing upside after a productive collegiate career that elevated his stock ahead of the upcoming draft. Mandatory Credit: Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.The Early Round Rookies
Minnesota finally drafted a complete class this go-round; last year, the club picked just five rookies because of the expensive Dallas Turner trade.
These are the new jersey numbers for the Rounds 1-3 guys:
- Caleb Banks (DT) | Jersey No: 95
- Jake Golday (LB) | Jersey No: 41
- Domonique Orange (DT) | Jersey No: 97
- Caleb Tiernan (OT) | Jersey No: 78
- Jakobe Thomas (S) | Jersey No: 8
On Banks, the most recent Viking to wear No. 95 was defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga, who was apparently not a priority when Brian Flores took over the defense in 2023. Ironically, the last time the Vikings picked a defensive tackle in Round 1 was 13 years ago — a man named Sharrif Floyd. He also wore No. 95 and played college football at Georgia.
For Golday’s number, the last notable Viking to wear that was safety Anthony Harris from 2015 to 2020.
Zone Coverage‘s Zac Scholl on Golday: “Diving into Golday’s draft profiles, his game screams versatility. The guy did it all for the Bearcats this past season. He played in the box and slot in certain schemes and also played edge. That helped him gather First-Team All-Big 12 honors this past season. As we all know, Flores loves players who can play multiple positions. With his elite 6’4″ 239 lb. frame and athletic measureables, Minnesota will be able to play Golday all over the field.”
“His athletic profile was enough to land him at No. 48 on Bruce Feldman’s College Football Freaks List for 2025. Golday might have seemed like an odd pick at the moment. However, I believe he can bring versatility and consistency to the defense and grow into a jack-of-all-trades like Leber. Maybe interim general manager Rob Brzezinski saw the same potential in Golday as he saw in Leber back in 2006.”
After Round 4 Guys
On the late-rounders, jersey numbers were assigned as follows:
- Charles Demmings (CB) | Jersey No: 20
- Max Bredeson (FB) | Jersey No: 45
- Demond Claiborne (RB) | Jersey No: 21
- Gavin Gerhardt (C) | Jersey No: 58
No. 20 was most famously worn by cornerback Bobby Bryant from 1968 to 1980. In recent years, Duke Shelley, Mackenise Alexander, and Jeff Gladney have worn it, too.
Bredeson’s 45 is rarer. Cornerback Ed Sharockman wore it from 1961 to 1972 during the Vikings’ infancy. He was a baller. As of late, linebacker Troy Dye took the number from 2020 to 2023.
Previous No. 21 owners include Terry Allen (RB), Corey Chavous (CB), and Jerick McKinnon. Notably, McKinnon is a decent comp for Claiborne. From 2018 to 2024, Mike Hughes (CB), Bashaud Breeland (CB), and Akayleb Evans (CB) brandished No. 21.
Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne powers through a tackle attempt from Stanford linebacker Tristan Sinclair during second-quarter action at Stanford Stadium. On Oct. 26, 2024, Claiborne continued showcasing his balance, burst, and contact toughness while helping move the chains for the Demon Deacons in an ACC road matchup against the Cardinal. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images.The new center? Gerhardt will wear Jonathan Greenard’s number after Greenard was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles on April 24th. Before Greenard, the most famous Vikings to wear No. 58 included Wally Hilgenberg (LB), Ed McDaniel (LB), Jordan Hicks (LB), Michael Pierce (DT), and Walker Lee Ashley (LB). It’s a linebacker’s number, almost exclusively.
SI.com‘s Russell Heltman on Gerhardt: “Gerhardt spent half this decade at Cincinnati, turning into what Scott Satterfield has said repeatedly is the greatest leader he’s ever been around. The veteran team captain earned that role for the third year in a row this past season, joining Dontay Corleone as one of four in program history to be bestowed that honor. In 2025, he started all 13 games, finishing with 49 starts for his UC career, which is tied for third in program history overall.”
The Free Agent Newcomers
Lastly, the main free-agent newcomers picked digits:
Johnny Hekker (P) | Jersey No: 5
Kyler Murray (QB) | Jersey No: 1
James Pierre (CB) | Jersey No: 23
Hekker will battle undrafted free agent punter Brett Thorson this summer at training camp. Thorson will wear No. 47. Murray retains his famous No. 1 — that one was never in doubt. His nickname is “K1,” after all.
A close-up view shows the jersey of Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray during a divisional matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. On Nov. 26, 2023, Murray returned to NFC West action while continuing his comeback season and reestablishing himself as Arizona’s franchise quarterback after recovering from a major knee injury. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.Pierre takes a number worn by Stephon Gilmore, Fabian Moreau, Andrew Booth, Mike Boone, Xavier Woods, George Iloka, and Terence Newman in the last decade.
Somewhat popular wide receiver Dillon Bell, also an undrafted free agent, is No. 89.
Rookie minicamp gets underway for the Vikings this week.