The Minnesota Vikings have signed former BYU defensive end Tyler Batty to an undrafted free agent deal, according to NFL.com on Aug. 11, 2026. The 271-pound linebacker, who previously played for the Cougars from 2020 through 2024, joins the Vikings following a 2025 rookie campaign where he appeared in 12 games.
Collegiate Career at BYU
Batty, a native of Payson, Utah, joins the Vikings roster after a productive collegiate career at Brigham Young University. During his five seasons with the Cougars from 2020 to 2024, he started 44 of the 53 games he played, accumulating 224 total tackles. His collegiate statistics included 33.5 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, two interceptions, two pass breakups, 25 quarterback hits, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
Leadership and Production
During his final season at BYU in 2024, Batty served as a team captain and earned All-Big 12 First Team honors. While he recorded 1.5 sacks that year, he logged a career-high 42 pressures according to Pro Football Focus. His 2024 campaign also included two interceptions and two pass breakups. Prior to his senior year, Batty had recorded nine tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles in 2023, which were all career-best marks at that time.
Professional Debut and 2025 Season
The Vikings' roster move follows Batty's 2025 NFL season, where he appeared in 12 games after missing the first five weeks of the season due to injury. During that rookie campaign, he finished with four defensive tackles, including two for loss, and contributed eight tackles on special teams. His NFL debut occurred in Week 7 against Philadelphia on Oct. 19, 2025, where he recorded one special teams tackle. He later logged his first three career tackles, including two for loss, during a Week 8 game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Oct. 23, 2025.
Physical Profile and Scouting
Batty's physical profile, as noted by NFL.com, includes a height of 6-foot-5 and a weight of 271 pounds. At the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, he ran an unofficial 4.78-second 40-yard dash. NFL analyst Lance Zierlein noted that while Batty is a dense and aggressive player, he may face challenges with quickness and may eventually transition into a 4-3 strong-side defensive end in the NFL.
Community and Philanthropy
Beyond his athletic pursuits, Batty has been active in community service. He co-founded Edward's Hands, an equine therapy nonprofit, alongside teammate Austin Riggs and volunteers from the Girl Scouts of Utah. The nonprofit operates on the Batty family's ranch in Payson, where the name was inspired by Edward, the son of former BYU coach Ed Lamb, who benefited from equine therapy.
High School Background
Before his time at BYU, Batty attended Payson High School in Utah, where he was coached by Derek Campbell. During his high school career, he was named first-team all-region and all-valley, and received an all-state honorable mention. His collegiate recruitment included interest from several programs, including Utah, Utah State, Air Force, Hawai'i, Princeton, Boise State, and UCLA.
Roster Context
Batty's signing comes as the Vikings continue to build their roster through undrafted free agency. He joins a group of players who have successfully transitioned from undrafted status to the Vikings' 53-man roster in previous years. Batty, a nutritional science major during his time at BYU, remains a 27-year-old prospect entering his second year of professional football.
