In Kahlef Hailassie , the Vikings had a promising young safety on the practice squad. He has been shown the door.
Aaron Wilson (KPRC2) sent along the quick update alongside news of other teams moving on from some players . Check it out: "Terminated from practice squad: #Broncos Luke Basso, #Vikings Kahlef Hailassie, # Commanders Joshua Simon."
At this stage, Minnesota is working with +1 and -1 math. Any add necessitates a subtraction.
Part of the problem for Hailassie is the signing of Harrison Smith . In an indirect manner, Smith's signing made moving on from Hailassie easier to accept. After all, the safety position is now deeper with the veteran back in town, making the added depth on the practice squad less compelling.
Aug 28, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin (38) runs for a touchdown ahead of Minnesota Vikings safety Jakobe Thomas (8) and safety Kahlef Hailassie (25) in the third quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The more direct issue was the decision to sign edge rusher Kenny Dyson .
Bringing Dyson back makes a pile of sense. He looked slick and slippery out there in the preseason, showing off some nice burst coming off the line of scrimmage and an ability to dip underneath the massive mitts of offensive linemen. Seeing if he can keep developing makes a lot of sense for a Vikings team that wants more help when chasing down the passer.
— READ MORE: Josh Frey's 2026 NFL Standings + Playoff Predictions
—
— READ MORE: Over the Weekend, A Vikings Draft Pick Received Bad News
—
— READ MORE: The Pros and Cons of Harrison Smith's Return
—
So, consider the pair of factors that have coalesced to make the Hailassie goodbye a real decision for Minnesota.
Adding Smith back into the mix means having a deeper safety position. There's then the decision to add Dyson to the practice squad, necessitating a move somewhere. Playing purple dot connecting means seeing that Smith decision as a factor in the move to move on from Hailassie.
Aug 22, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Elijah Sarratt (13) looks for yards after the catch as Minnesota Vikings safety Kahlef Hailassie (25) looks to make the tackle during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
In the past, Kahlef Hailassie has shown off some promising abilities for the Minnesota Vikings .
He competed for a roster spot in the Twin Cities back in the 2025 offseason. He notably showed off some ability to create turnovers. But, crucially, Minnesota didn't keep him on the 53-man roster. Jacksonville swept in to snag him, but Minnesota was able to bring him back not too long afterwards.
That simple act, making room for a player twice , says much. Clearly, the Vikings see promise in the defensive back, leading to a concerted effort to ensure he has had opportunity to battle for a roster spot.
He's now set free yet again, looking for work somewhere in the NFL. The former corner has put in time with Kansas City , Cleveland , Jacksonville, and Minnesota (X2). Expect a team somewhere to sign him before too long. He's a good player.
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) shakes hands with Minnesota Vikings cornerback Kahlef Hailassie (25) after an NFL pre-season game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. © Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Obviously, the hope is for good health all around. If, however, there's an injury in the secondary, then watch for Minnesota and the now former safety. GM Nolan Teasley could very reasonably look to re-add Hailassie if there ends up being a need.
Hailassie is 25.
Also Read on Vikings Territory: The Vikings' Draft Class Looks Like an Even Split as Week 1 Nears
Related Headlines
