EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings are back in the building.
Vikings players arrived at Twin Cities Performance Center in Eagan this morning for the start of voluntary offseason workouts, a sort of unofficial start to the 2019 season.
Minnesota is coming off a disappointing 2018 season that saw the Vikings go 8-7-1 and miss out on the playoffs despite lofty preseason expectations.
A total of 31 players (including 2018 draft picks and undrafted free agents) of the 67 on the roster were not with the Vikings this time a year ago.
New faces under that metric include guards Josh Kline and Dakota Dozier, as well as defensive tackle Shamar Stephen, the latter of which was on the roster from 2014-17.
Here's a quick refresher of the players currently on the Vikings roster (players listed in alphabetical order):
Quarterbacks: Kirk Cousins, Sean Mannion, Kyle Sloter
Cousins is back for his second season in Purple after putting up impressive numbers in 2018. The quarterback threw for 4,298 yards and completed 70.1 percent of his passes with 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He became the only player in NFL history to throw for 4,000-plus yards and complete at least 70 percent of his passes while throwing at least 30 scores and 10 or fewer picks. Mannion signed with Minnesota this morning after spending his first four seasons as a backup with the Rams. Sloter, who hasn't played a regular-season snap, has impressed in preseason play in 2017 and 2018.
View photos of new Vikings QB Sean Mannion during his time with the Rams.
Running backs: Ameer Abdullah, Mike Boone, Dalvin Cook, C.J. Ham, Roc Thomas
Cook has shown playmaking ability when healthy, but he has dealt with injuries in his first two seasons in the league. He led the Vikings with 612 rushing yards in 2018. Minnesota re-signed Abdullah last month after he joined the team halfway through the 2018 season. He played sparingly on offense was averaged 25.8 yards per kick return. Ham has proven his worth as a reliable fullback, while Boone and Thomas played 65 combined offensive snaps in 2018.
View photos of Vikings RB Ameer Abdullah who re-signed with the team.
Tight ends: Tyler Conklin, Cole Hikutini, David Morgan, Kyle Rudolph
Rudolph had 634 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 2018, as the veteran is looked at as a leader in the locker room and in the community. Morgan missed parts of the season with a knee injury, which seemed to affect Minnesota's production in the run game due to his presence as a blocker. Conklin had five catches for 77 yards as a rookie, while Hikutini spent most of the 2018 season on the practice squad.
Wide receivers: Jeff Badet, Chad Beebe, Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen, Jordan Taylor, Laquon Treadwell, Brandon Zylstra
Thielen and Diggs continued to shine in 2018, becoming the first pair of Vikings teammates to have at least 100 catches in the same season. The duo combined for 215 receptions for 2,394 yards and 18 touchdowns. Beebe, Treadwell and Zylstra each had limited roles in 2018. Beebe was a training camp star who worked his way onto the active roster, while Treadwell had 35 catches for 302 yards and a score. Zylstra had one catch for 23 yards and played special teams in his first season in the NFL. Badet spent the 2018 season on the practice squad.Taylor, a former Bronco, signed on Monday.
View photos of new Vikings WR Jordan Taylor during his time with the Broncos.
Offensive linemen: Adam Bisnowaty, Aviante Collins, Dakota Dozier, Cornelius Edison, Pat Elflein, Rashod Hill, Danny Isidora, Brett Jones, Josh Kline, Storm Norton, Brian O'Neill, Riley Reiff
The Vikings moved on from a pair of 2018 starters and could look to address this unit in the draft. Elflein, O'Neill and Reiff were starters in 2018 and likely will be counted on to lead this group. The Vikings signed Kline and Dozier in recent weeks and also brought back Jones, who started three games in 2018 while Elflein worked his way back from injuries. Edison, Isidora and Hill had reserve roles, while Bisnowaty and Norton were on the practice squad. Collins missed the entire season after getting injured in training camp.
Defensive linemen: Ade Aruna, Tashawn Bower, Curtis Cothran, Everson Griffen, Jalyn Holmes, Danielle Hunter, Jaleel Johnson, Linval Joseph, Hercules Mata'afa, Ifeadi Odenigbo, Karter Schult, Shamar Stephen, Stephen Weatherly
Hunter blossomed into one of the league's top pass rushers in 2018 as he recorded 14.5 sacks and made his first Pro Bowl. Griffen missed a third of the season to focus on his personal health and finished with 5.5 sacks. Joseph dealt with nagging injuries but was a force when healthy. Weatherly showed promise while filling in for Griffen, while Johnson played 25 percent of the defensive snaps. Minnesota brought back Stephen, a strong run defender who spent the past season in Seattle. Bower and Holmes had reserve roles, while Odenigbo rejoined the team later in 2018 after getting released in training camp. Cothran was on the practice squad. Aruna and Mata'afa missed their rookie seasons with torn ACLs. Schult was recently added after playing in the Alliance of American Football.
View photos of Vikings DT Shamar Stephen. He enters his sixth NFL season in 2019 and rejoins the Vikings after spending the 2018 season with the Seattle Seahawks.
Linebackers: Anthony Barr, Kentrell Brothers, Reshard Cliett, Devante Downs, Ben Gedeon, Eric Kendricks, Greer Martini, Eric Wilson
The band is back together, as Barr chose to stay with the Vikings after testing the free-agent waters in March. He made his fourth straight Pro Bowl in 2018, and continues to have a strong connection with Kendricks, his former UCLA teammate. Both players are signed to multi-year contracts. Gedeon was the third starter in Minnesota's base defense, while Wilson showed flashes of strong play when on the field. Downs didn't play on defense but saw the field on occasion on special teams as a rookie. Cliett was a practice squad player in 2018. Martini was recently added after playing in the AAF.
Take a look at photos of Vikings LB Anthony Barr from the 2018 season. As the first player drafted under head coach Mike Zimmer, Barr has been named to the Pro Bowl in each of the last four seasons.
Defensive backs: Mackensie Alexander, Anthony Harris, Holton Hill, Mike Hughes, Craig James, Jayron Kearse, Jordan Martin, Xavier Rhodes, Derron Smith, Harrison Smith, Duke Thomas, Trae Waynes
Smith and Rhodes are still the leaders of this group, which has been altered a bit since a year ago. Smith had another Pro Bowl season in 2018, but Rhodes struggled with injuries at times this past season. Waynes started 14 games and was solid in coverage while providing run support. Harris played well at safety after taking over for the final half of the 2018 season. Hughes, Minnesota's first-round pick in 2018, had a strong start to his career before tearing his ACL six weeks into the season. Hill played well after making the team as an undrafted free agent in training camp. Kearse saw the field in Minnesota's "big nickel" package and used his size well. James spent most of his time with the team on the practice squad in 2018. Marcus Sherels and Andrew Sendejo, notable longtime names on the roster, are now on other rosters. Thomas and Derron Smith recently played for the San Antonio Commanders in the AAF.
View images of Vikings new CB Duke Thomas from his days in the AAF, with the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans.
Arizona Hotshots running back Jhurell Pressley (26) runs away from San Antonio Commanders defensive back Duke Thomas (21) in the second half during an AAF football game, Sunday, March 10, 2019, at Sun Devil Stadium in Phoenix. San Antonio defeated Arizona 29-25. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
San Antonio Commanders defensive back Duke Thomas (21) during an AAF football game against the Arizona Hotshots, Sunday, March 10, 2019, at Sun Devil Stadium in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
San Antonio Commanders defensive back Duke Thomas (21) reaches to deflect a pass for Arizona Hot Shots wide receiver Rashad Ross (15) in the second half during an Arizona Hotshots at San Antonio Commanders AAF football game, Sunday, March 31, 2019, at the Alamodome in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Chris Covatta)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Sean Mannion (14) recovers a fumbled snap ahead of Dallas Cowboys cornerback Duke Thomas (26) and defensive end Charles Tapper during an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017 in Los Angeles. The Rams defeated the Cowboys, 13-10. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Duke Thomas (26) intercepts a pass during an NFL football practice Wednesday, May 24, 2017 in Frisco, Texas. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys defensive back Duke Thomas (26) and Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Malik Jefferson (45) pose for a photo following a preseason NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Duke Thomas (26) during an NFL preseason football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Colts, 24-19. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys secondary coach Kris Richard (right) congratulates cornerback Duke Thomas (26) for a play during an NFL training camp practice Saturday, July 28, 2018 at City of Oxnard Fields in Oxnard, California. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (24) blocks for cornerback Duke Thomas (left) returning a kickoff during an NFL training camp practice Monday, August 6, 2018 at City of Oxnard Fields in Oxnard, California. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Duke Thomas (26) during an NFL training camp practice Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at City of Oxnard Fields in Oxnard, California. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Duke Thomas (26) tackles Houston Texans receiver Vyncint Smith (17) after a catch during a 2018 NFL week 4 preseason game, Thursday, August 30, 2018 in Houston, Texas. The Texans defeated the Cowboys, 14-6. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Duke Thomas (26) covers safety Tyree Robinson (23) in a drill during organized team activity at the NFL football team's training facility in Frisco, Texas, Wednesday, May 30, 2018. (James D. Smith via AP)
NFL official Brad Freeman (center) talks with Dallas Cowboys cornerbacks Donovan Olumba (32) and Duke Thomas (26) in a time out during a 2018 NFL week 4 preseason game against the Houston Texans, Thursday, August 30, 2018 in Houston, Texas. The Texans defeated the Cowboys, 14-6. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Duke Thomas (26) returns a kickoff during a 2018 NFL week 2 preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, August 18, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Bengals defeated the Cowboys, 21-13. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys receiver Michael Gallup (13) reaches for a pass as cornerback Duke Thomas (26) defends during an NFL training camp practice Thursday, July 26, 2018 at City of Oxnard Fields in Oxnard, California. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Duke Thomas (26) walks along the sideline during warm ups before a preseason NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Dallas Cowboys defensive back Duke Thomas (26) returns a kick during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won the game, 24-20. (Greg Trott via AP)
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Duke Thomas (26) walks along the sideline during warm ups before a preseason NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Duke Thomas (26) returns a kickoff during a 2018 NFL week 2 preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, August 18, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Bengals defeated the Cowboys, 21-13. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Duke Thomas (26) during a 2018 NFL week 2 preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, August 18, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Bengals defeated the Cowboys, 21-13. (James D. Smith via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard (94) reaches for Dallas Cowboys kick returner Duke Thomas (26) during a 2018 NFL week 2 preseason game, Saturday, August 18, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Bengals defeated the Cowboys, 21-13. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Duke Thomas (26) intercepts a pass in a drill during organized team activity at the NFL football team's training facility in Frisco, Texas, Monday, June 4, 2018. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brice Butler (19) is grabbed by defensive back Duke Thomas (26) after a reception during an NFL football camp practice in Frisco, Texas, Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Dallas Cowboys secondary coach Kris Richard (center) talks with receiver Cedrick Wilson (16) and cornerback Duke Thomas (26) during an NFL training camp practice Friday, July 27, 2018 at City of Oxnard Fields in Oxnard, California. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Duke Thomas (26) makes an interception during an NFL training camp practice Saturday, August 4, 2018 at City of Oxnard Fields in Oxnard, California. (James D. Smith via AP)
Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) is stopped on a run by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Duke Thomas (26) and cornerback Sammy Seamster (29) in the second half of a preseason NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Dallas Cowboys defensive back Duke Thomas (26) carries the ball during warm ups prior to an NFL preseason football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017 in Los Angeles. The Rams won 13-10. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Dallas Cowboys cornerbacks Duke Thomas (26) and Jourdan Lewis (27) in a drill during organized team activity at the NFL football team's training facility in Frisco, Texas, Tuesday, May 29, 2018. (James D. Smith via AP)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Bug Howard (83) leaps to make a catch over Dallas Cowboys cornerback Leon McFadden (23) an cornerback Duke Thomas (26) in the second half of a preseason NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Dallas Cowboys secondary coach Kris Richard (right) talks to cornerback Duke Thomas (26) during organized team activity at the NFL football team's training facility in Frisco, Texas, Thursday, May 31, 2018. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Duke Thomas (26) lines up in a drill during organized team activity at the NFL football team's training facility in Frisco, Texas, Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (James D. Smith via AP)
Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack (25) fights for extra yardage on a running play as Dallas Cowboys cornerback Duke Thomas (26) and cornerback Sammy Seamster (29) attempt the stop during a preseason NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Duke Thomas (26) returns a kickoff during an NFL preseason football game against the Oakland Raiders, Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Raiders, 24-20. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys defensive back Duke Thomas #26 during an NFL preseason football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017 in Los Angeles. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brice Butler, left, gets by defensive back Duke Thomas (26) and runs the ball after a reception during NFL football training camp in Oxnard, Calif., Wednesday, July 26, 2017. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)
Dallas Cowboys defensive back Duke Thomas (26) in coverage during an NFL preseason football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017 in Los Angeles. The Rams won 13-10. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Bug Howard (83) leaps to make a catch over Dallas Cowboys cornerback Leon McFadden (23) an cornerback Duke Thomas (26) in the second half of a preseason NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Dallas Cowboys receiver Andy Jones (81) turns after a catch as cornerback Duke Thomas (26) defends during an NFL training camp, Thursday, August 10, 2017 in Oxnard, California. (James D Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Duke Thomas (26) during an NFL preseason football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017 in Los Angeles. The Rams defeated the Cowboys, 13-10. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Duke Thomas (26) during an NFL preseason football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Colts, 24-19. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Duke Thomas (26) intercepts a pass during an NFL football organized team activities practice at the team's training facility, Tuesday, May 30, 2017 in Frisco, Texas. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Duke Thomas (26) runs a drill during an NFL football practice Tuesday, May 23, 2017 in Frisco, Texas. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys receiver Cole Beasley (11) runs after a catch as cornerback Duke Thomas (26) defends during an NFL training camp, Thursday, August 10, 2017 in Oxnard, California. (James D Smith via AP)
Houston Texans defensive back Duke Thomas watches during a practice at the NFL football team's training camp, Sunday, July 31, 2016, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans defensive back Duke Thomas (40) lines up during a Week 2 preseason NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016 in Houston. The Texans beat the Saints 16-9. (Matt Patterson via AP)
Dallas Cowboys receiver Cole Beasley (11) is tackled after a catch by cornerback Duke Thomas (26) during an NFL training camp, Thursday, August 10, 2017 in Oxnard, California. (James D Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys safety Duke Thomas (26) of Texas during the NFL football team's rookie minicamp Friday, May 12, 2017 in Frisco, Texas. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Duke Thomas (26) of Texas during the NFL football team's rookie minicamp Friday, May 12, 2017 in Frisco, Texas. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Duke Thomas reaches up to catch a pass during an NFL football practice at the team's training facility, Wednesday, June 14, 2017, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Dallas Cowboys defensive back Duke Thomas (26) waits for the snap during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017 in Los Angeles. The Rams won the game, 13-10. (Greg Trott via AP)
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Duke Thomas (26) runs drills during an NFL training camp, Tuesday, July 25, 2017 in Oxnard, California. (James D Smith via AP)
Special teamers: Dan Bailey, Kevin McDermott, Matt Wile
Bailey is back with the Vikings after joining the team in Week 3 of the 2018 season. He made 21 of 28 field goals and 30 of 31 extra-point tries, but said recently he wants more consistency in 2019. Wile was added to the roster in Week 1 and averaged 45.2 yards per punt in his first season in Purple. McDermott was reliable as always, and the long snapper will now head into his fifth season with the Vikings.
