A Minnesota Vikings helmet sits on show earlier than kickoff at U.S. Financial institution Stadium forward of a matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. On Oct. 19, 2025, followers gathered in Minneapolis because the Vikings ready for an additional vital regular-season take a look at in entrance of a packed residence crowd. Obligatory Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Pictures.
The Vikings’ in-house expertise at edge rusher isn’t inspiring a ton of optimism. Because of this, some are expressing concern, particularly with Jadeveon Clowney getting taken out of free company?
What of Chaz Chambliss?
The Georgia alumnus obtained added final offseason from inside undrafted free company. He was among the many many UDFA gamers to crack the 53-man roster for 2025. Most of his contributions got here as a particular groups asset however he performed on protection, albeit in a modest method. Any likelihood the unheralded sophomore will get extra run than individuals anticipate?
The Vikings’ In-Home Go Rusher Possibility
Standing at 6’1″ and weighing roughly 245 kilos, Chambliss is a contact small for the place. A great world would contain being longer; assume a body that’s nearer to Danielle Hunter as being the perfect.
However then there’s one other attention-grabbing element: Eric Wilson, himself a UDFA expertise as soon as upon a time, doesn’t boast the perfect construct and has nonetheless discovered a technique to shine. May Chambliss see what the veteran did after which go do likewise? It’s a lofty aim that’s unlikely to be attained, however Wilson is somebody to emulate.
Aug 22, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans offensive deal with John Ojukwu (61) blocks Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chaz Chambliss (57) through the first half at Nissan Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Steve Roberts-Imagn Pictures – Credit score: IMAGN IMAGES through Reuters Join
Through the 2025 season, Chambliss performed in a dozen video games. His complete workload completed off at 25 snaps on protection alongside 183 snaps on particular groups. In all probability, he’s an analogous dynamic going into the present season — a workload closely tilting towards particular groups — however he’s making an attempt to vary that modest outlook. He can accomplish that if he proves able to walloping the quarterback with some regularity.
As for statistics, Chaz Chambliss didn’t get completely shutout as a rookie. He had 8 tackles and 1 sack as a rookie.
The defender performed his school ball for Georgia, overlapping with gamers equivalent to Lewis Cine and Ty Ingram-Dawkins. His ultimate season concerned 40 tackles alongside 6.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss. Not earth shattering, however some manufacturing from inside certainly one of school soccer’s foremost applications.
Given his construct, Chambliss could have to dabble with being an off-ball linebacker. Doing so would improve his enchantment for Brian Flores, a coordinator who enjoys working with sensible, versatile gamers. Providing up a few of that coveted versatility permits the DC to extend the pre- and post-snap chaos, creating confusion alongside the best way.
And, to make certain, there’s one thing to be stated for simply pinning one’s ears again. After Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner, the Vikings’ in-house edge rusher choices don’t encourage enormous optimism. Suppose Bo Richter, Tyler Batty, and a pair others. Good depth however no person who could be recognized as totally settling the EDGE3 debate.
What’s odd is that Minnesota doesn’t seem too fearful, suggesting there are gamers on the town who can do properly when known as upon. Is there untapped potential in Chambliss?
Aug 31, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Clemson Tigers tight finish Jake Briningstool (9) catches a go behind Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Chaz Chambliss (32) through the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports activities
Getting him to the Twin Cities meant sending over $220,000 in assured cash, per Over the Cap. The implication is that a number of groups have been competing for his companies after the draft. Former GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah did properly at bringing undrafted expertise to city; Chambliss is merely one instance of that method paying off.
Selecting the Vikings labored fairly properly for either side. Issues will look ever higher if the sophomore blossoms right into a mainstay of the go speeding rotation in 2026.
Chaz Chambliss remains to be solely 23.
Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Electronic mail: ok.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.
