Recent content from Andrew Krammer
Vikings' Hockenson says NFL needs to look at hit that injured his knee
Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson, who said he has a nine-month recovery from two torn knee ligaments, spoke to reporters Monday for the first time since his Dec. 24 injury.
Vikings 'in love' with multiple QBs, but at what cost?
Hesitancy to commit to Kirk Cousins occurred under the backdrop of this year's heralded quarterback class. GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah sees the team having many satisfactory draft options.
Podcast: 'Two-year' process has only drawn Vikings closer to this QB draft class
Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss the Vikings being "in love with" multiple quarterbacks in this draft, according to general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, in this episode of the Access Vikings podcast.
Which QB do you want the Vikings to draft? Vote here.
With Caleb Williams expected to be taken No. 1 overall, here are the next five quarterback prospects who are considered long-term starters in the pros. Vote for your favorite.
Q&A: Thielen gives back to state, has 'no hard feelings' for Vikings
Former Vikings receiver Adam Thielen spoke with the Star Tribune recently about finding peace after a frustrating split from the team and Kirk Cousins following him to the NFC South.
Vikings' connection to QB Maye goes back to his high school days
At his pro day Thursday, quarterback Drake Maye will be on the field again with Josh McCown, the Vikings' new quarterbacks coach who mentored Maye in high school in Charlotte.
![Minnesota Vikings kicker Greg Joseph (1) kicked a field goal in the second quarter. ] ANTHONY SOUFFLE • anthony.souffle@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/6PRINF3MW4PYLWUPWLTNFFJB7M.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Kicker Joseph leaves Vikings for Packers
The Vikings were ready to move on from kicker Greg Joseph, who will be part of a kicking competition in Green Bay.
What does 'going Van Ginkel' mean for Vikings?
Edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel, who has also played inside linebacker, had a bounce-back season for the Dolphins in 2023, and his former coach Brian Flores, now with the Vikings, came calling in free agency.
Is Blake Cashman ready to lead the Vikings defense?
Blake Cashman, the former Eden Prairie and Gophers star, is the Vikings' answer to losing veteran Jordan Hicks. A review of Cashman's breakout 2023 season shows he might be ready to help fill those shoes.
What are Vikings getting with new edge rusher Jonathan Greenard?
The Vikings prioritized Greenard in free agency to revamp their pass rush. One big question concerns his health.
Podcast: Vikings positioned to make tenure-defining QB pick in NFL draft
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the Vikings' crossroads at quarterback, where the team is hoping to make a franchise-altering selection in next month's NFL draft.
Vikings, veteran cornerback Shaquill Griffin agree to deal
Griffin, 28, has played for three teams in the last three seasons. In 2023, he was let go after two games by Houston and appeared in three games for Carolina.
Star catcher: Jefferson featured in Netflix's 'Receiver' documentary
Justin Jefferson and four other NFL pass catchers will be part of the series scheduled to premiere this summer. It's similar to the series that featured former Vikings QB Kirk Cousins last year.
Vikings sign former Rams defensive lineman Jonah Williams
He started 16 games for Los Angeles last season and previously spent one day with the Vikings in November 2021.
Osborn, Mattison, Dobbs leaving Vikings for new teams
Receiver K.J. Osborn agreed to a one-year deal with the Patriots, running back Alexander Mattison is headed to the Raiders and quarterback Joshua Dobbs intends to sign with the 49ers.
Vikings sign ex-Chargers OL Dan Feeney; Troy Dye, two others find new homes
Linebacker Troy Dye is expected to sign with the Chargers, while defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga is headed to Arizona and Austin Schlottmann agreed with the Giants.
'I'm a Minnesota Viking now': Cashman feels the love in return to his hometown
Blake Cashman, the former Eden Prairie and Gophers star linebacker, signed with the Vikings this week and is expected to be a starter.
Greenard says he's not with the Vikings to fill shoes of Hunter
Jonathan Greenard, who had 12.5 sacks for the Texans last season, arrives as the Vikings' top pass rusher following Danielle Hunter's exit to Houston.
Vikings signing defensive tackle Tillery, former 1st-round pick
Jerry Tillery is coming off a career-best season, according to Pro Football Focus' charting. He was released by the Raiders and was a first-round draft choice of the Chargers in 2019.
Vikings keep Bullard for a defensive line in flux
The Vikings likely aren't done adding to their interior defensive line after re-signing tackle Jonathan Bullard on Wednesday.
Released by Packers, running back Aaron Jones agrees to Vikings deal
Jones, who spent seven seasons in Green Bay, becomes the latest former Packers player to defect to the Vikings.
Vikings agree to sign kicker while Greg Joseph remains unsigned
John Parker Romo arrives as a journeyman joining his fourth NFL team in three years after going undrafted out of Virginia Tech in 2022. He's been with two other NFC North teams.
Podcast: Breaking down a franchise-altering day for the Vikings
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the free-agent frenzy around Cousins, how he'll be remembered in Minnesota, and what's next at quarterback and on defense.
Vikings reinforce defense with two edge rushers, former Gophers star
On the day they lost their starting quarterback, the Vikings added edge rushers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel and brought home former Gophers linebacker Blake Cashman.
Who replaces Cousins? Here are six free agent options at quarterback.
One has Minnesota roots and another appears to have no future with an NFC North rival. Here's our list of quarterbacks the Vikings could sign.
Vikings need cornerback help after rough 2023
Every cornerback from last year's Vikings remains under contract, but that doesn't mean they're going to run it back with the same players.
Will Vikings make big splash to improve running game?
There's a star-studded group of running backs available in NFL free agency, which opens next week. If the Vikings want a new lead back, here are some options.
Fixing the defensive line. Six free agents Vikings could consider.
The Vikings' interior defensive line left a lot to be desired last season. The first opportunity to fix that comes next week through free agency. Read the first of our position previews.
Vikings re-sign tight end Muse ahead of free agency
Tight end Nick Muse, a 2022 seventh-round pick, will return to the Vikings, who are wrapping up some lower-level moves ahead of the opening of NFL free agency next week.
What will Vikings do if they don't draft a QB in the first round?
Prevailing wisdom has the Vikings centered on finding a young QB as their top priority. But the team also needs quality and quantity in another area.
Vikings watch some top QBs throw, but others refused to at combine
Of the six quarterbacks said to be the best in this year's draft, three opted not to throw on Saturday. Two elite wide receivers also didn't participate in drills.
Vikings meet with top QBs at NFL combine. 'It was special,' one says.
Top college quarterbacks spent time this week interviewing with the Vikings at the NFL scouting combine. "Everything they talked about wanting out of a QB aligns with what I want," one of them said.
Gophers pair cherish 'full-circle moment' at NFL combine
Tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford and safety Tyler Nubin joined the Gophers within a semester of each other. Now they're Indianapolis roommates in search of an NFL selection.
As quarterbacks take center stage at combine, Vikings pay attention
Get to know the top six quarterbacks in a highly-touted draft class. All of them will talk Friday, but only some will take part in Saturday's on-field drills.
Podcast: Cousins, Jefferson and NFL combine takeaways
Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss the top Vikings story lines from Indianapolis in this episode of the Access Vikings podcast.
Vikings No. 2 in players' union 'report card' with high marks
The Vikings led the league in four categories in the survey of players. Coach Kevin O'Connell was praised for his willingness to listen to players.
New Vikings QBs coach following in O'Connell's footsteps
When Kevin O'Connell began his coaching career in Cleveland as quarterbacks coach, one of the QBs was Josh McCown.
GM: Vikings optimistic on Jefferson extension, have no plans to trade him
At the NFL scouting combine, Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah discussed the factors around Justin Jefferson's contract extension and closed the door on the possibility of a trade.
After struggles in 2023, Vikings looking to 'infuse' backfield
Coach Kevin O'Connell called Ty Chandler's season "a real positive" before adding that they're looking for new talent for last year's underwhelming rushing attack.
NFL scouting combine: How to watch? When are the QBs throwing?
The NFL world descends this week on Indianapolis, where the Vikings will be eyeing quarterbacks, among other positions, and a few locals are among the 321 prospects invited.
![Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell in the third quarter Monday, October 23, 2023, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn. ] CARLOS GONZAL](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/RDYEZOKRTKR2AROI3IJMXL4H2Q.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Vikings coach O'Connell adds two assistants to his staff
Assistant offensive line coach Shaun Sarrett replaces Justin Rascati, who was hired away by the Bengals earlier this month.
Former Vikings, Gophers receiver finding route up the coaching ladder
Caledonia, Minn., native Isaac Fruechte was hired recently as North Dakota's offensive coordinator. He brought lessons from his circuitous career and his championship-winning dad.
Vikings re-sign safety Theo Jackson, a key reserve in Brian Flores' secondary
Safety Theo Jackson also was a special teams mainstay in his second season with the Vikings and likely an easy decision to retain.
Vikings coordinator Phillips pleads guilty to careless driving
Wes Phillips was arrested in December on suspicion of drunken driving. He pleaded guilty to a lesser charge on Thursday.
Zimmer returns to coaching with Cowboys: 'Just trying to help players'
The former Vikings head coach discussed his two years away from the NFL, 'the reputation that I'm a jerk' and his new job as Dallas' defensive coordinator.
Podcast: Allen left out of Hall, Zimmer returns, and Super Bowl picks
Star Tribune NFL writer and Hall of Fame voter Mark Craig joins Andrew Krammer to discuss why Jared Allen isn't a Hall of Famer, Mike Zimmer's return to Dallas, and Sunday's big game.
Podcast: What can the Vikings learn from these NFL playoffs?
Andrew Krammer and Mark Craig discuss the Lions in the NFC Championship Game, Craig's All-Pro ballot, what the Vikings can learn from two division rivals, and more.
Vikings mailbag: Jefferson, NFC North QBs and could a certain star come here?
After failing to make the playoffs, the Vikings have a number of pressing offseason issues. Coukld one of them be solved with a big trade? Or a big free agent signing?
Podcast: Vikings' roster, NFL playoffs amplify questions about NFC North standing
Andrew Krammer is joined by Purple Insider's Matthew Coller to discuss the first round of the NFL playoffs and how high of a bar they set for the Vikings moving forward.
Three Vikings who became key cogs for 2024 (and two who need work)
Receiver Jordan Addison, linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. and safety Josh Metellus established themselves as pieces for the Vikings to build around, but the team could be in the market at a position that's often seen high turnover.
Vikings mailbag: Draft trades? Cap space? Best value in 2023?
Readers want to know what it would take for the Vikings to move up in the draft and just how much cap space they have to make offseason moves.
O'Connell still searching for answers in Vikings' running game
Both personnel and scheme solutions are on the table for a run game ranked near the bottom of the NFL in almost every category.
Podcast: Vikings embark on pivotal offseason for Year 3 of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Kevin O'Connell
Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer set the stage for a pivotal Vikings offseason under this regime. They discuss the outlook at quarterback, the defensive depth chart, the financial constraints and more.
After ending season on bench, Vikings cornerback tackles a challenge
His first stretch as an NFL starter left Akayleb Evans with an offseason plan of "learning the game even more."
Injuries, free agency and the future: Vikings clear lockers, end season
Right tackle Brian O'Neill suffered a broken bone in his foot, which he described as "the most pain I've been in in my life."
Dobbs hopes Vikings run leads to opportunities in free agency
Quarterback Joshua Dobbs gave Vikings fans lasting memories. He hopes his performance in Minnesota will create a more lasting job for him.
Podcast: Justin Jefferson, Harrison Smith and the Vikings' season-ending loss in Detroit
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan recap the Vikings' 30-20 loss from Ford Field, where safety Harrison Smith may have played his last game in 12 NFL seasons.
Vikings' depleted O-line makes it a long day for QB Mullens
With two starting linemen out with injuries and two more playing hurt, Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens took a season-high 15 hits, including four sacks.
Smith hints at retirement as 12th year with Vikings comes to an end
Safety Harrison Smith was in a reflective mood Sunday but said, "It's hard to have the ability to play and not have a desire to play."
Vikings-Lions inactives: Darrisaw to play in finale; Ingram out
The 7-9 Vikings will have a patchwork offensive line during Sunday's finale in Detroit. The team that will be without seven players who started in Week 1.
Vikings secondary depleted again for season finale against the Lions
The Vikings will be far from full strength for Sunday's game in Detroit, with cornerbacks Byron Murphy Jr. and Mekhi Blackmon and right tackle Brian O'Neill out with injuries.
Podcast: Questions about Vikings defense fill the mailbag
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand open the mailbag and answer your questions about the recent defensive woes, coordinator Brian Flores' head coaching candidacy and more.
For Mullens, Vikings quarterback job has required patience this season
Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens will make his 20th NFL start Sunday against the Lions. Playing a clean game without turnovers is the goal.
Mullens will be Vikings starting QB for finale vs. Lions
Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens will make his third start, his second against Detroit after throwing for 411 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions in a Dec. 24 loss.
Podcast: Vikings' QB uncertainty extends far beyond this year's weekly carousel
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss Sunday's finale against the Lions, the Vikings' draft position, the weekly QB carousel and more in this episode.
Will Vikings use different QB to erase 'bad taste' of Packers loss?
Coach Kevin O'Connell didn't announce his starting quarterback for the season finale at Detroit, where the Vikings' playoff chances are slim.
Love, Packers capitalize on depleted Vikings defense
The Vikings' injury-thinned and weary defense surrendered 470 yards to Jordan Love and company. Only six Green Bay offenses have ever put up more yardage against the Vikings.
Jordan Love, Packers capitalize on depleted Vikings defense
The Vikings' injury-thinned and weary defense surrendered 470 yards to Jordan Love and company. Only six Green Bay offenses have ever put up more yardage against the Vikings.
![Minnesota Vikings receiver Jordan Addison (3) Sunday, December 24, 2023, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ • carlos.gonza](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/KMRXH3RHP76GHHMQNB3HRAIBEA.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Vikings-Packers inactives: Jordan Addison will play through ankle injury
Vikings rookie quarterback Jaren Hall will have receiver Jordan Addison on Sunday night despite an ankle injury that had Addison listed questionable.
Podcast: Vikings' outlook at quarterback? Harrison Smith's future?
Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about Harrison Smith, Kirk Cousins, the rest of the regular season, the 2024 NFL Draft and more.
Vikings mailbag: Mulling Harrison Smith's future, debating recent drafts
Readers want to know whether safety Harrison Smith will be back with the Vikings next season and how to evaluate the team's recent draft moves.
Vikings cornerback position still in flux ahead of Packers game
Top corner Byron Murphy Jr. remains out because of an injury, but Akayleb Evans is expected to be back in the lineup after being benched against the Lions.
Vikings' Jefferson looking for confidence and consistency from his quarterback
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell is expected to announce Thursday who is starting at quarterback Sunday night against the Packers.
NFL playoff scenarios: Can the Vikings be eliminated Sunday?
The Vikings' Sunday night game against the Packers might be an elimination game if the Seahawks and Rams both win earlier in the day.
Are Vikings' injuries too much to overcome in sinking season?
Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer dig through the wreckage of the Lions loss and preview Sunday night's game against the Packers. Top of mind: Who's healthy enough to play? And who's playing QB?
