The 2026 NFL Draft has concluded, and we’re getting closer to training camps beginning in July. The Vikings’ training camp begins on July 20th for rookies, and July 22nd for veterans.
Some teams make small maneuvers during this window of time after their draftees join the roster. Major moves, of course, won’t happen for the most part until the cut-down days ahead of the regular season.
Still, moves are being made, and a former Vikings QB was the subject of one of them.
Former Vikings QB Desmond Ridder Released by Packers
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 7: Desmond Ridder #4 of the Cincinnati Bengals scrambles during the second half of a NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on August 7, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk broke the news.
“Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reports that [Green Bay] will be releasing Desmond Ridder. Ridder joined the team last December and did not play in any games. Ridder’s departure will leave four quarterbacks on the roster. In addition to Taylor, they will have Jordan Love, Kyle McCord and rookie Kyron Drones.
Ridder spent time with the Bengals and Vikings last year before finishing out the year with the Packers. His last regular season action came in six appearances for the Raiders in 2024 and the 2022 third-round pick made 17 starts for the Falcons in his first two NFL seasons.
Ridder is 322-of-503 for 3,544 yards, 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions over all of his NFL action.”
Ridder was the 74th overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. He has since spent time with a bevy of NFL teams.
- Atlanta Falcons (2022-2023)
- Arizona Cardinals (2024)
- Las Vegas Raiders (2024)
- Cincinnati Bengals (2025)
- Minnesota Vikings (2025)
- Green Bay Packers (2025-2026)
The move was made in order to free up a spot for another QB. The Packers would sign veteran Tyrod Taylor to enter the room behind starter Jordan Love.
Ridder could be likely to join an NFL team for their training camp in a bid to bring experience to a needy QB room. Of course, that probably won’t be the Vikings, as the seats are taken by Kyler Murray, Carson Wentz, J.J. McCarthy, and Max Brosmer.
Minnesota Gets Brandon Aiyuk Trade Idea
GettySANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 28: Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a pass that was tipped by Kindle Vildor #29 of the Detroit Lions during the third quarter in the NFC Championship Game at Levi’s Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Dustin Baker of Vikings Territory recently shouted out Brandon Aiyuk as a potential trade candidate for the Vikings.
“The 49ers and Aiyuk have fallen out of love. They don’t want each other anymore. It’s just that San Francisco is in no hurry to drop Aiyuk, insisting he’s available for trade but also that he won’t play for the 49ers again. It’s a standoff.
At his peak, Aiyuk is a magnificent WR2, with the upside of a WR1; at least that this used to be his trajectory when San Francisco paid him a boatload of cash.
If the 49ers are able to trade Aiyuk, the deal will probably come together when San Francisco’s financial pain is less after June 1st. Naturally, Aiyuk would fit wonderfully in Minnesota. Kyle Shanahan and Kevin O’Connell’s systems have similarities.”
Baker lists the potential compensation sent to the 49ers as a 6th round pick. It would be a low-risk, high-reward move. It’s unclear if Aiyuk even wants to play football again, and it could certainly come with some headaches for the Vikings.
Vikings’ Former QB Released After 2026 NFL Draft