The Minnesota Vikings are actively exploring options to enhance their roster, having recently held tryouts for four players on Thursday afternoon. According to the NFL’s transaction wire, the team welcomed South Dakota quarterback Aidan Bouman, Elon wide receiver Chandler Brayboy, Southern Methodist defensive back Brandon Crossley, and Northwestern wide receiver A. J. Henning for evaluation.
Aidan Bouman stands out among the group due to his family connections to the Vikings; he is the son of Todd Bouman, a former quarterback who played for Minnesota from 1997 to 2002. Aidan had an impressive college career at the University of South Dakota, where he became the school’s all-time leading passer with 9,278 passing yards and 68 touchdowns. His strong performance has also garnered attention from other NFL teams, including the Green Bay Packers, who offered him a tryout earlier this offseason.
Chandler Brayboy, who was part of the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad during the previous season, also showcased his skills during the tryouts. In the 2025 preseason, Brayboy recorded two receptions for 17 yards before being released during the Jaguars' final roster cuts on August 30. His college career at Elon was marked by impressive statistics, including 979 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in his final season. Brayboy also demonstrated his versatility as a kick returner, notably returning two kickoffs for touchdowns in a single game.
Brandon Crossley, a defensive back, spent the past season with the New England Patriots, primarily on the practice squad after joining as an undrafted free agent. He signed a futures contract with the Patriots in February but was waived during the final roster cuts. Crossley’s experience in the NFL could provide the Vikings with valuable depth in their secondary.
A. J. Henning rounds out the group of tryouts. The former Michigan Wolverines player transferred to Northwestern for his final two college seasons, where he accumulated 129 receptions for 1,219 yards and eight touchdowns across 57 games. Henning was also recognized for his contributions on special teams, earning All-Big Ten second-team honors in 2022 as a standout punt and kickoff returner.
These tryouts not only reflect the Vikings' commitment to improving their roster but also highlight the potential for compelling narratives, especially with Aidan Bouman’s family ties to the franchise. His father, Todd, had a notable tenure with the Vikings, including a standout performance in 2001 when he stepped in for the injured Dante Culpepper and earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors after throwing for 348 yards and four touchdowns in a victory over the Tennessee Titans.
As the Vikings continue to evaluate their options, the outcomes of these tryouts could lead to significant roster decisions. The blend of experience and potential among these players could provide the team with the depth they need as they prepare for the upcoming season.
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