Set your clocks back to the 2025 Minnesota Vikings preseason, and you might find a summer hero in the making named Gabriel Murphy . The outside linebacker made a name for himself during last August's exhibition games, so much so that some believed he'd be a lock for the 53-man roster. Five months later, Murphy has not been retained by Minnesota and is a free agent .
Murphy's summer burst was real, but the regular season snaps never followed, leaving him as a low-cost flier for another NFL squad.
The young pass rusher still has time to catch on around the league, but his preseason theatrics were evidently fool's gold.
The defender didn't quite pan out as this summer's performance indicated
UCLA linebacker Gabriel Murphy addresses reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine inside the Indiana Convention Center, Feb 28, 2024, in Indianapolis. The appearance offered insight into Murphy's preparation and mindset as teams gathered medicals, measurements, and background intel while shaping draft boards and projecting how his athletic traits could translate. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Futures Deal Announced for MIN — No Murphy
The Vikings announced eight futures deal signings last week, including these players:
Joaquin Davis (WR)
Caleb Etienne (OT)
Donte Fleming (WR)
Kahlef Hailassie (S)
Jeshaun Jones (WR)
Vershon Lee (OG)
Bryson Nesbit (TE)
Josh Ross (LB)
Missing from the list? Murphy. Several other practice squaders from 2025 failed to obtain such contracts, but the exclusion of Murphy, a miniature fan-favorite, stood off the page.
The 2026 OLBs without Murphy
With Murphy gone for the time being — the Vikings can re-sign him at any time if they're in the mood — these outside linebackers are under contract next season:
The first three provide enough juice to make the Murphy subtraction negligible. It's just noteworthy that Murphy is no longer in the future plan because he was so disruptive in the preseason . He was also a UDFA gem once upon a time.
The Then-Stunning Roster Cut in August
Murphy tore through the 2025 preseason like he had something to prove. Three games were all it took to make him feel unavoidable. In the opener against Houston , he piled up five quarterback hits on a handful of snaps. Five. Fans rejoiced, thinking an unearthed gem would make the 53-man roster with ease.
From there, the roster math felt easy. Murphy forced the issue, turned a fringe evaluation into a decision, and walked himself onto the September roster without debate. Or so onlookers thought.
Because Minnesota played so few starters in the preseason, Murphy actually looked like the best player on the field if that can be believed. But before formal roster cuts in late August, Minnesota dropped Murphy, and that was that. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah later re-signed him to the practice squad, where he lived for the 2025 campaign.
Our Kyle Joudry noted on Murphy last month, "Gabriel Murphy made the team last season. He was seemingly a lock to do so again coming into the season. After all, his final college season contained great production: 8 sacks alongside 16 tackles for loss."
"Partner those numbers with the preseason effort (some robust stats there, too) and he stood out for offering unusually promising production. Oh, and the athleticism he displayed pre-draft — such as his elite vertical and forty time — set him apart as being unique (RAS). But then the roster trim down occurred; Gabriel Murphy was allowed to escape."
Vikings linebacker Gabriel Murphy rushes the passer during second-quarter action at U.S. Bank Stadium, Aug 16, 2025, in Minneapolis, as Patriots tackle Vederian Lowe sets to block. The snap reflected Murphy's preseason impact, showcasing burst and leverage as Minnesota evaluated edge depth and assessed young defenders competing for regular-season roles. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Ask any Vikings fans to predict 2026 future contracts, and Murphy would have felt like a total lock. No cigar.
Joudry added, "Why didn't the great production turn into a job? Clearly, there's a sense that the potential upside on defense didn't justify a coveted spot. Tyler Batty and Bo Richter have been the EDGE4 and EDGE5, seldom earning snaps for Brian Flores but often being leaned on by Matt Daniels."
"Going into next season, Mr. Murphy will look to prove capable of functioning as a strong EDGE4. He's slippery but undersized."
Probably Time for a Look Elsewhere
For Murphy's purposes, he'll turn 26 in 2026, and the Vikings have allowed him to take just 40 defensive snaps in two years. He's probably best served by hitting open free agency and trying his luck elsewhere. Minnesota has a deep EDGE room, and Murphy is basically guaranteed to personally believe that he can succeed in the pros.
Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah watches from the sideline during an NFL International Series game at Croke Park, Sep 28, 2025, in Dublin. The overseas setting provided a unique evaluation window, with Adofo-Mensah observing roster depth, adaptability, and execution as Minnesota performed on a global stage. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Minnesota has a precedent of dropping players who flourish on other teams. A player like Khyiris Tonga comes to mind. He plays a meaningful role on the New England Patriots ' roster and will be a part of the Divisional Playoff Round this weekend.
Murphy should sign with another club and battle for a roster spot this summer. That team's fan base will surely love his preseason production. Stellar.
