Jonathan

Bullard

The team also placed safety Jalen Thompson (hamstring) on IR. Thompson was already expected to miss at least four weeks, so the move doesn’t come as a surprise. Bullard signed a one-year deal with the Cowboys this offseason. He has three combined tackles and .5 sacks through three games.

The 10-year veteran has amassed 59 career starts across 131 appearances with six different franchises, most recently starting six games for the Saints in 2025 after notching 38 starts with the Vikings the previous three seasons. This has all the looks of a depth signing for a team that has gone to extra lengths to revamp their defensive line this offseason.

Bullard reunites with defensive coordinator Brandon Staley after playing under him for two years in Chicago, bringing a level of familiarity to a defense undergoing numerous changes this offseason. Expect Bullard to mix into early-down packages after performing well against the run over his previous three seasons in Minnesota, potentially hitting the sidelines in clear passing situations.

Bullard has spent the last three seasons with the Vikings, starting 38 of the 46 games he appeared in over that span. The veteran lineman also spent two seasons with current Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley (2017-2018) during their time with the Bears, and would bring a sense of familiarity with the system to New Orleans if he were to sign. Bullard totaled 108 tackles and three sacks during his tenure with the Vikings and is more known for his impact in the running game than in the passing game. Per PFF, Bullard hasn’t totaled double-digit pressures since 2019 and has just three sacks to his name over that span.

Bullard is a run-plugging specialist teams try to keep off the field in passing situations. 2023 will be his age-31 campaign. Despite his one-dimensional skill-set, he should probably safely crack the Vikes’ 53-man roster.

Bullard will return to Minnesota with eyes on maintaining his role as a rotational interior lineman in the 3-4 scheme. He appeared in 12 games last season and started seven of them. Bullard also missed four games in 2022 with a bicep injury, he’s looking to contribute again this season in a healthier manner.

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said that the lineman suffered a biceps injury after it was originally called an elbow injury. Bullard may miss some time. He had 23 tackles on the season heading in to today and has played 44% of Minnesota’s defensive snaps.

The Vikings are remarkably healthy midway through the season. Bullard is out with an illness. Ross Blacklock will take his place in the starting lineup.

The No. 72 overall pick of the 2016 Draft by the Bears, Bullard made nine appearances and four starts for the Falcons last season. Bullard is mostly just a space filler at this stage of his career, but he is capable of playing most spots along the defensive line. That will help his 53-man roster odds in Minnesota.

Claimed off waivers from the Cardinals last season, Bullard ended up making six appearances in Seattle. He is a pure depth signing who will have his work cut out for him making the 53-man roster.