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East, Kansas LB Bangally Kamara signs free agent contract with Vikings
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- East, Kansas LB Bangally Kamara signs free agent contract with Vikings
Bangally Kamara showed the want-to and is now a member of the Minnesota Vikings .
The former Akron East High School star — who played at Pitt for four years, South Carolina for one and most recently for Kansas — was invited to minicamp earlier this month.
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The 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker must have impressed because he has signed an unrestricted free agent contract with the Vikings .
He signed a three-year contract for "a hair below" $900,00 for his 2026 cap charge, according to YahooSports.com . Guaranteed money, if any, is expected to be low.
Kamara was an All Big-12 honorable mention selection with the Jayhawks last fall. He was a first-team All-Ohioan with the Dragons in 2019.
He made 56 tackles, 9.5 for loss, and had 1.5 sacks last season. Kamara also had four pass deflections and a forced a fumble.
Kamara finished his career 185 tackles, 22 for loss, and had 6.5 sacks. He had 12 pass deflections, an interception, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
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"The Vikings are getting a highly intelligent football player with a tireless work ethic," East coach Marques Hayes said via text. "I remember him getting his first big time scholarship offer from Marcus Freeman when he was at Cincinnati , Freeman asked him what would you want to major in and Bangally said I want to be an archeologist so I can prove my ancestors built the pyramids in Egypt. Freeman said coach I love your guy!"
Kansas linebacker Bangally Kamara, a former East standout, tackles Utah quarterback Devon Dampier, left, on Nov. 28, 2025, in Lawrence, Kansas.
Bangally Kamara scouting report, strengths, weaknesses
Here's what YahooSports.com had to say about Kamara.
Strengths
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Kamara stands out as a versatile linebacker prospect. At the aforementioned height and weight, he's a bit undersized but demonstrates the flexibility to play defense and on special teams — a critical asset for making an NFL roster. His collegiate path, however, was not straightforward.
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His appeal stems from his movement, range, and utility in sub-packages. Possessing 4.69 speed, a 10-foot-1 broad jump, and 32⅛-inch arms, he has the athletic tools necessary to operate effectively in space.
Weaknesses
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The primary question mark surrounding Kamara is his definitive NFL role: he's likely too light for full-time edge work and will need to carve out a specific niche. He projects as a developmental linebacker and special teams ace.
Brad Bournival can be reached by email at bbournival@usatodayco.com and is on X at @ bbournival .
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This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Minnesota Vikings sign Bangally Kamara. What to know
