DONE DEAL: Minnesota Vikings has officially Signed Donovan Jackson of $17.177 Million and Complete 2025 NFL Draft Class Signings after replacing.....full details below.....

In a major development that solidifies their 2025 NFL Draft class, the Minnesota Vikings have officially signed offensive guard Donovan Jackson to a four-year, $17.177 million rookie contract, completing all signings for their latest draft picks and positioning themselves as a team ready to contend in the coming season.

The announcement, confirmed by the team early Monday morning, follows weeks of negotiations and strategic planning after an offseason marked by high-profile exits and a strong draft performance. Jackson, who was selected 24th overall out of Ohio State, is seen as a cornerstone of the Vikings’ future offensive line.

Jackson: The Anchor of a New Era

At just 22 years old, Donovan Jackson already carries the poise and presence of a veteran. A standout at Ohio State, Jackson earned All-Big Ten honors and was widely regarded as one of the most NFL-ready interior linemen in the 2025 draft class.

Scouts praised his footwork, powerful hands, and elite pass-blocking instincts. His ability to protect the quarterback and create lanes in the running game made him a top target for the Vikings, especially after the franchise moved on from longtime left guard Ezra Cleveland during a spring trade that surprised many fans.

Head Coach Kevin O’Connell expressed his excitement following the signing:

“Donovan is exactly the type of player we want in this building—tough, smart, and hungry to win. He’s going to make an immediate impact, both in the locker room and on the field.”

Contract Details & Cap Impact

The $17.177 million contract includes a $9.2 million signing bonus and is fully guaranteed, as is standard for first-round picks under the current CBA. The deal also includes performance incentives and fifth-year option considerations based on Pro Bowl and snap-count metrics.

For the Vikings, this contract was made possible in part by recent roster moves, including the departure of key veterans and restructures to contracts such as Justin Jefferson’s recent extension, which created additional salary cap flexibility.

General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah praised the front office and Jackson’s representatives for working quickly to finalize the agreement.

“We knew how important it was to get Donovan in camp early and ready to go. This deal reflects our commitment to building from the trenches.”

Complete Draft Class Locked In

With Jackson’s signing, Minnesota becomes one of the first NFL teams to officially lock in all members of its 2025 rookie class. The draft class includes:

Donovan Jackson (OG, Round 1)
Kai Blackwell (CB, Round 2) – LSU standout with elite speed
Ramon Stokes (WR, Round 3) – Deep-threat specialist
Miles Carson (LB, Round 4) – High-motor tackler from Oregon
Jake Mallory (QB, Round 5) – Developmental backup
Tariq Mensah (DE, Round 6) – Raw edge talent
Lucas Brown (TE, Round 7) – Blocking-focused TE from Iowa

All players are now under contract and expected to participate fully in training camp, which begins next month in Eagan, Minnesota.

Strategic Roster Restructuring

The Vikings’ 2025 draft and signing process came on the heels of a significant organizational pivot. After back-to-back playoff misses and questions about the future of the quarterback position, the front office committed to rebuilding key units—starting with the offensive line and secondary.

The trade of Ezra Cleveland, along with the decision to let veterans like Alexander Mattison and Danielle Hunter walk in free agency, opened space for younger talent to step in.

While risky, the moves signal a clear intent: to build a younger, faster, and more physical team under Coach O’Connell’s growing system.

Fan and Analyst Reactions

The signing of Donovan Jackson has sparked widespread approval from fans and analysts alike. Many view him as a potential Day 1 starter, especially given Minnesota’s urgent need to protect whoever lines up under center—be it a veteran placeholder or a future franchise quarterback like Jake Mallory down the line.

NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah said on air:

“Jackson was a steal at 24. He brings instant toughness and professionalism. This is a massive win for the Vikings.”

Social media lit up with praise:

“This kid’s going to be our next Steve Hutchinson,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“We finally invested in the line. Thank God!” another posted.

Looking Ahead

With their draft class signed and a young offensive core in place, the Vikings are now turning their attention to preseason development and position battles. Training camp promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, especially with Jackson expected to compete for the starting left guard position from Day 1.

The 2025 season could mark a turning point for the Vikings franchise, and with Donovan Jackson officially on board, the foundation for a successful future appears to be firmly set.