Vikings Sign LB Matt Harmon, DL Elijah Williams After Rookie Minicamp

EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings strengthened their defense on Monday by signing outside linebacker Matt Harmon and defensive lineman Elijah Williams after both participated in rookie minicamp as tryout players.

Harmon, 25, played 49 games at Kent State from 2018 to 2024. He recorded 105 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, four sacks, and multiple turnovers, including an interception. In the 2024 season, Harmon achieved career-best stats with 56 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss.

Originally from Rockwood, Michigan, Harmon attended Oscar Carlson High School. He survived at Kent State due to injuries and the extra eligibility granted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Williams, who hails from Jersey City, New Jersey, also had a strong college career. Over 42 games at Morgan State from 2021 to 2024, he accumulated 216 tackles, 52 tackles for loss, and 31 sacks. His final season saw him achieve career highs with 12 games and 11 sacks.

“I know I got to really lock in on my craft,” Williams said in January. “The things I did in college, that doesn’t matter here. I have to create a whole new name for myself.”

Both players excelled in the rookie camp, showing enough potential to earn a place on the 91-player offseason roster, which includes a roster exemption for punter Oscar Chapman due to the International Player Pathway Program.

With the Vikings aiming to reduce their roster from 90 players to 53 this summer, Harmon and Williams are now focused on making a lasting impression as they compete for spots alongside the established roster.