MINNESOTA VIKINGS ADD CB JAROD WASHINGTON; WAIVE RB KEJON OWENS

By: J.J. Pavlick | New York, NY | August 2, 2026 |

EAGAN, MN — The Minnesota Vikings continued shaping their 90‑man roster on Sunday, signing rookie cornerback Jarod Washington and waiving running back Kejon Owens with a non‑football illness designation.

Washington, 23, arrives in Minnesota after rookie minicamp stints with the Chiefs and Buccaneers earlier this spring. The 6‑foot‑2 South Carolina State product brings length, ball production, and a championship résumé from one of the nation’s premier HBCU programs.

Across two seasons with the Bulldogs, Washington helped lead South Carolina State to consecutive Celebration Bowl appearances—including a dramatic four‑overtime victory over Prairie View A&M in 2025. That season, he started 11 games and posted 33 tackles, two interceptions, 22 passes defended, and a forced fumble, earning First‑Team FCS Football Central All‑America honors. Before SCSU, Washington spent time at Hocking Community College and Benedict College.

Owens, 24, was waived after joining Minnesota as an undrafted free agent out of Florida International. The Miami native appeared in 11 games for FIU in 2025, rushing for 399 yards and two touchdowns.

Washington will join the Vikings secondary as camp competition intensifies, while Owens’ departure opens another spot as Minnesota continues to churn the back end of its roster heading into preseason.