Vikings Sign Second-Round LB Jake Golday, Wrap Draft Class
The Vikings announced that they have signed second-round linebacker Jake Golday. They now have their entire nine-player draft class under contract.
As the 51st overall pick, Golday’s four-year deal is worth approximately $10.07MM. There is no word on how much is guaranteed, but his draft slot suggests it is a significant amount. To name one nearby example, 52nd overall selection Brandon Cisse received full guarantees over the first three years of his agreement with the Packers.
After spending three years at Central Arkansas, where he played defensive end for two seasons before switching to linebacker, Golday transferred to Cincinnati ahead of the 2024 campaign. The 6-foot-4, 240-pounder made 58 tackles (seven TFL), forced two fumbles and totaled 1.5 sacks in 12 games in his first year with the Bearcats. He jumped to 105 tackles in 13 games last season. Golday also notched six TFL, 3.5 sacks, three pass deflections and a forced fumble. The production was good enough for Golday to earn first-team All-Big 12 honors.
Now that he is officially a pro, Golday will join a Brian Flores-coordinated defense that finished third in yards and seventh in scoring in 2025. The Vikings relied heavily on linebackers Eric Wilson and Blake Cashman last season. They remain in the fold, meaning Golday will begin his career in a depth role.
Here is a refresher on the Vikings’ rookie class:
- Round 1, No. 18: Caleb Banks (DT, Florida) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 51 (from Panthers): Jake Golday (LB, Cincinnati) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 82: Domonique Orange (DT, Iowa State) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 97*: Caleb Tiernan (T, Northwestern) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 98 (from Vikings)*: Jakobe Thomas (S, Miami) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 159 (from Panthers): Max Bredeson (FB, Michigan) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 163 (from Eagles): Charles Demmings (CB, Stephen F. Austin) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 198 (from Vikings via Texans, Vikings and 49ers): Demond Claiborne (RB, Wake Forest) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 235 (from Panthers): Gavin Gerhardt (C, Cincinnati) (signed)