The Minnesota Vikings have signed Calgary Stampeders defensive lineman Jaylon Hutchings to an NFL futures contract, per sources.
Hutchings recorded 39 defensive tackles, eight sacks, and one forced fumble over 17 regular-season CFL games in 2025, his first season as a starter with the Stamps. The six-foot, 304-pound pass rusher was named All-CFL and was the top-graded defensive player in the league, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).
The 26-year-old signed with Calgary late during the 2024 campaign, suiting up for two regular-season games and registering two defensive tackles. Hutchings had a brief stint with the Chicago Bears earlier that year but was released near the end of the team’s training camp.
The native of Forney, Tex., was a collegiate standout at Texas Tech University, where he recorded 193 total tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one pass knockdown over 61 games. He underwent knee surgery late in his final season with the Red Raiders, which hurt his stock in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Hutchings signed with the Bears as an undrafted free agent, but was released late in training camp by Chicago. He worked out for the Minnesota Vikings and the Cleveland Browns this offseason, resulting in a contract for 2026.
Had he not signed an NFL deal, Hutchings was scheduled to hit CFL free agency on February 10. Should he be released by the Vikings after that date, he will be eligible to sign with any team on either side of the border.
John Hodge is a longtime Canadian football reporter, insider, and podcaster for 3DownNation. Based in Winnipeg, Hodge is also a freelance television and radio broadcaster and curling reporter for Rock Channel.
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