Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley continues to put his fingerprints on the team’s roster ahead of the upcoming season. Following the weekend’s roster cuts, Teasley spoke with the media about signing veteran pass rusher Kyle Van Noy, Harrison Smith’s status, safety depth, and Kyler Murray’s growth in Minnesota’s system.
Oh, he also spoke extensively about J.J. McCarthy, which you can read here, but we’re going to focus on everything else the GM said on Wednesday.
Kyler Murray’s development
“I think Kyler has really grown in his ability to manage the line of scrimmage,” said Teasley. “I think we’ve seen constant improvement throughout the preseason, throughout training camp. Again, I’ve said this from the beginning: I’m really bullish on where he’s headed in playing in this system with this level of coaching from (Kevin O’Connell) to Josh McCown, and everybody else on that side of the ball.”
When asked what stood out about Murray during training camp, Teasley highlighted the former Cardinals QB’s mobility and accuracy.
“We started to see the legs as we got into more realistic football situations,” said Teasley. “We always knew that that was there. But then the anticipatory throwing ability, the ability to fit the football into tight windows and be a spot thrower, that’s continued to grow. Then we commented on his ability at the line of scrimmage, so yeah, really excited about where he is.”
Kyle Van Noy signing
Late Tuesday night, Teasley and the Vikings signed veteran pass rusher Kyle Van Noy. The move helps shore up depth on the edge, which had been a concern after Sunday’s roster cuts.
“Veteran presence at a premium position,” said Teasley when asked about Van Noy. “He fits well into the system because of the way that he rushes and the way that we rush. It’s really a team component from that standpoint. Then he brings, again, experience and leadership. So, really, really lucky to have a player of his caliber join us.”
In signing with Minnesota, Van Noy reunites with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, whom he played for in Miami during the 2020 season and earlier in his career when Flores was the defensive coordinator in New England.
Harrison Smith’s status and safety depth
Throughout training camp, O’Connell has been peppered with questions about the potential return of Smith. All along, O’Connell has stated that he’s kept in contact with the legendary safety, but any talk of a possible return stayed between the head coach and the safety.
Asked if he would want the veteran safety back this season, Teasley said, “We’re always open to adding good football players.”
With Smith potentially retiring, the Vikings’ safety depth looks significantly different than it did last season. As it stands, it appears Minnesota is headed into the season with Josh Metellus, Jay Ward, and Theo Jackson as the top three safeties.
“I think it’s one of our deeper positions,” Teasley commented when asked about safety depth. “We all saw Jacob Thomas play. It was good to see Jakobe Thomas come back into the Denver game. Theo, I can go on and on. Then Josh Metellus, it’s a good room. But we’re always going to look to add good football players.”
Caleb Banks
Minnesota’s first-round pick, defensive tackle Caleb Banks, has drawn some early concerns from fans and analysts alike after shaky preseason performances. Teasley enters the season in a unique position, having been brought in after the draft, so guys like Banks are not players he selected. When asked about what he’s seen from Banks so far, Teasley remained optimistic about the first-rounder.
“That is a talented young man whose best football is ahead of him,” said Teasley. “He’s in a room with Ryan Nielsen, who’s a developer of young men, and he’s the right man for the job. We’re excited about the direction that Caleb’s headed.”
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This story was originally published by Bring Me The Sports on Sep 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the MN Vikings section. Add Bring Me The Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.