AK #53

Austin Keys

Linebacker · Auburn

An undrafted Auburn linebacker who made Minnesota's opening roster in 2025 before a January waiver claim brought him to Arizona.

Austin Keys transferred from Ole Miss to Auburn and carved out a role as a reliable tackler before going undrafted in 2025. He made the Minnesota Vikings' initial 53-man roster as a rookie and stuck on special teams for most of the year before the Cardinals claimed him off waivers to close out the season.

★ Made the Minnesota Vikings' 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie in 2025

★ Recorded a sack and a tackle for loss as a rookie special-teamer

Path to the league

Keys began his college career at Ole Miss, where a 2021 injury cut his season short before he broke out with 39 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss in 2022. He transferred to Auburn for 2023 and 2024, adding 30 and 39 tackles in those two seasons. He went undrafted in 2025 and signed with the Minnesota Vikings.

Career highlights

Keys made Minnesota's 53-man roster out of training camp as one of seven undrafted free agents the team retained in 2025, a notable achievement for a rookie linebacker who primarily projected as a special-teams contributor.

2025 season recap

Keys appeared in 11 games for the Vikings as a rookie, recording seven total tackles, a tackle for loss and a sack, with the bulk of his tackles coming on special teams. Minnesota waived him on December 31, 2025, and Arizona claimed him off waivers the next day.