Former Kansas Star Devin Neal Signs With Minnesota Vikings
Former Kansas running back Devin Neal is headed to Minnesota.
The Minnesota Vikings signed Neal to their practice squad Wednesday, giving the former Jayhawk another opportunity to continue his NFL career after spending his rookie season with the New Orleans Saints. Neal was one of five players Minnesota added to its practice squad as the team continues to add depth to its roster.
Neal’s move to Minnesota comes after he was released by New Orleans earlier this month with an injury settlement following a hamstring injury. The Vikings brought Neal in for a workout Tuesday before agreeing to sign him.
The Vikings have been looking for additional help at running back. Minnesota placed Jordan Mason on injured reserve earlier this month, while Aaron Jones has dealt with injuries and rookie Demond Claiborne is still developing. Neal now joins a running back room that includes Jones, Claiborne and DeeJay Dallas.
For Neal, the opportunity provides a fresh start in his second NFL season.
The former Kansas star was selected by the Saints in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. During his rookie season, Neal appeared in 10 regular-season games and recorded 57 rushing attempts for 206 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 17 receptions for 104 yards.
Neal’s NFL career began after an impressive four-year run at Kansas.
The Lawrence native became one of the most productive running backs in Jayhawks history, finishing his Kansas career with 4,343 rushing yards and 49 rushing touchdowns. He also contributed as a receiver, recording 1,219 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns.
Neal played a major role in helping Kansas become a more competitive program during his time in Lawrence. He was a key contributor under head coach Lance Leipold and consistently provided the Jayhawks with a dependable option in the running game.
His combination of vision, patience and ability to contribute in the passing game helped make him one of the top running backs in Kansas football history.
Now, Neal will look to bring those qualities to Minnesota.
The Vikings are 3-0 entering Week 4 and are preparing to host the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Minnesota’s decision to add Neal to the practice squad gives the team another experienced option as it navigates injuries and depth concerns in the backfield.
Neal will have to earn his opportunities with the Vikings, but the move gives him another chance to prove he belongs in the NFL.
For Kansas fans, it also provides another opportunity to follow one of the program’s most recognizable recent stars as he begins the next chapter of his professional career in Minnesota.
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Jimmy Adeniran is a contributor to JayhawksROUNDTABLE. He can be reached at [email protected]
