Vikings sign ex-Chiefs OL in Week 9 ahead of 2026 NFL trade deadline

According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 in Houston, the Minnesota Vikings signed former Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman C.J. Hanson to a practice squad contract ahead of the 2026 NFL trade deadline.

Hanson originally entered the league as a seventh-round pick of the Chiefs in the 2024 NFL Draft after an illustrious collegiate career with the Holy Cross Crusaders.

While he only saw the field for a handful of snaps during his time in Kansas City, Hanson played in four games and made appearances with both the Chiefs' offense and special teams unit in a two-season stint with the team.

It is too soon to tell if Hanson will be able to earn elevation from Minnesota's practice squad in 2026, but given his pedigree as a first-team FCS All-American and first-team All-Patriot League selection, the ex-Chiefs lineman just might have what it takes to keep his NFL career afloat with the Vikings.