Recent content from Andrew Krammer
Vikings announce training camp schedule, including open practices
Season ticket holders can reserve training camp tickets beginning today, with ticket sales opening to the general public on Thursday.
Vikings sign fourth rounder Akayleb Evans; 8 of 10 picks under contract
The cornerback was the 118th overall pick out of Missouri, only two picks remain unsigned — including second-round cornerback Andrew Booth Jr.
Vikings complete front office reorganization; undrafted kicker waived
The top of the personnel department was reorganized with Ryan Grigson, the former Colts general manager, given a new title. He worked with Adofo-Mensah in Cleveland.
Bradbury gaining weight, resetting mentally after Vikings contract snub
So far, center Garrett Bradbury he has been the unquestioned starter entering his fourth season, but that doesn't mean he's looking to be the same player. .
Less physicality is more for Kevin O'Connell's Vikings this offseason
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the new regime taking a less is more approach to spring practices, what we learned from assistant coaches and the recent Cooper Kupp extension through Justin Jefferson's lens.
After stars lobby to keep him, Vikings rely on McCardell's bond with receivers
Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson publicly voiced support for former Pro Bowler Keenan McCardell to stay on the team's coaching staff after head coach Mike Zimmer was fired.
Vikings linemen leaning on Tomlinson to learn new defense
Dalvin Tomlinson, who previously played at Alabama and with the Giants, is the Vikings' only interior defensive lineman with extensive experience in a 3-4 front.
Recovered from shooting, Vikings' Twyman can't wait to play again
Jaylen Twyman returned to Vikings practice this spring after spending his rookie season recovering from four bullet wounds that he said entered and exited his arm, leg and buttocks.
Vikings mailbag: Another free agent? Secondary depth? No. 1 weakness to fix?
The current outlook at cornerback and receiver, some interesting available free agents, last year's weaknesses and the defensive transition are among your questions.
Vikings release Willekes, sign veteran defensive end Bullard
Jonathan Bullard, 28, reunites with two Vikings assistant coaches from his past. He's played with five teams over his seven-season career.
![Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell takes to the field at the TCO Performance Center in Eagan, Minn., on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. ] Elizabeth Flor](https://chorus.stimg.co/23603980/merlin_67590881.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Vikings wrap OTAs with receiver outlook in flux, 'player ownership' underway
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss what one play in OTAs says about rookie coach Kevin O'Connell's approach on offense and much more.
Vikings sign veteran receiver Wilson; Za'Darius Smith sidelined by injury
The Vikings were down two receivers due to injuries during organized team activities, and suddenly free-agent receiver Albert Wilson's phone lit up.
'More free': Vikings defenders adjusting to 3-4 schemes
Veterans such as Danielle Hunter and Eric Kendricks have new roles in coordinator Ed Donatell's seldom-blitzing, front-morphing defense.
Expectations for the 2022 Vikings and opening the mailbag
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand talk expectations, what we heard from coordinators this week and open the Twitter mailbag to answer your questions.
With heavy hearts, Vikings visit two St. Paul schools for book fairs
Staff members and parents were eager to create a positive environment for students a day after 19 children were killed in a school shooting in Texas.
![Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during practice Tuesday, May 24, at TCO Performance Center in Eagan, Minn. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ • carlos](https://chorus.stimg.co/23587259/merlin_67532061.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Vikings' Cousins goes back to school, learning offense 'from scratch'
Quarterback Kirk Cousins has pulled out flash cards and feels like "an eighth grader studying for a quiz" as he adapts to another new offense brought in by new coaches.
Vikings mailbag: Which rookies and second-year players will step up?
The defensive shift from Mike Zimmer's 4-3 defensive front to 3-4 schemes and need for depth on offense will open up roles for younger players.
Tasks ahead for O'Connell, Vikings led by retooling the defense
Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss the defensive changes, O'Connell's approach, the 2021 and 2022 draft classes and more in this episode of the Access Vikings podcast.
Vikings' coaching summit aims to improve diversity on NFL staffs
Assistant head coach Mike Pettine is leading the effort to build up the candidate pool for entry-level positions in the NFL.
![Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter practices at the TCO Performance Center practice fields in Eagan, Minn., on Tuesday, May 17, 2022. ] Elizabeth F](https://chorus.stimg.co/23521461/merlin_67476775.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Vikings' Hunter, back from another injury, is building bond with Smith
Star edge rusher Danielle Hunter is being paired with the former Packer Za'Darius Smith and adjusting to a new playbook. But he's got the same contract situation to be resolved.
Vikings rookie left tackle Lowe has overcome a lot outside football
That's one reason the Vikings drafted Vederian Lowe out of Illinois in the sixth round: He's proven he can overcome adversity. He has a wife, two children, and a younger brother he is raising.
With rookie camp set to open, Vikings sign five more draft picks
The Vikings have completed deals with half of their 10-man draft class before rookies and tryout players take the field on Friday for the start of this weekend's rookie minicamp.
Lambeau, Landover, London: A game-by-game look at the Vikings' schedule
From Week 1 at home to Week 18 on the road and all the trips — including across the pond — in between. The 2022 Vikings schedule is out. Let the debates begin.
Vikings, first-round pick Lewis Cine agree to four-year contract
Lewis Cine, the former Georgia safety, is the first Vikings draft pick to agree to terms on his contract ahead of the first practice at this weekend's rookie minicamp.
Vikings rookie Ingram joins deep competition at guard
For a sixth consecutive year, the Vikings drafted an offensive lineman early, adding guard Ed Ingram in the second round as coach Kevin O'Connell reshapes the offense.
Vikings guarantee $250,000 to land undrafted edge rusher McCloud
Zach McCloud, 24, played off-ball linebacker and edge rusher for the Hurricanes, and the Vikings ponied up to sign the athletic defender as another pass-rushing option.
Podcast: Vikings load up on DBs and pass receivers to division rivals
Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss the Vikings' additions in the secondary in the NFL draft, as well as the passing of receivers to the Lions and Packers in the latest Access Vikings podcast.
Otomewo is first Gopher drafted by Vikings since 2010
Defensive lineman Esezi Otomewo joins his roommate Boye Mafe, offensive lineman Daniel Faalele and tight end Ko Kieft as Gophers draft picks. But Otomewo got the call from a local number.
Meet the Vikings' 2022 NFL draft class
The team finished with 10 picks in General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's first crack at running a draft, using five of its first six choices on defensive players.
Vikings make three more trades, pick Missouri cornerback Evans in 4th round
The Vikings added a third defensive back in this draft by trading up in Saturday's fourth round. A deal with the Browns and two with the Raiders raised the total trade count to six.
Vikings enter Day 3 with five picks; could target receivers, defensive line
The Vikings have at least one pick in each round on Saturday: a fourth (No. 122), a fifth (No. 156), two sixths (No. 184, No. 191) and a seventh (No. 250).
After flurry of trades, Vikings draft cornerback, guard and linebacker
The Vikings moved down on Day 2, then moved back up to grab a Clemson defensive back Andrew Booth Jr. and later selected LSU offensive lineman Ed Ingram and Oklahoma linebacker Brian Asamoah.
Ten fits for the Vikings (including a Gopher) on Day 2 of the draft
Edge rushers? Cornerbacks? Receivers? Here are 10 prospects who fit what the Vikings are looking for in tonight's second and third rounds.
Vikings enter second round near front of line, with plenty of needs
The Vikings now have the second pick of tonight's second round after trading with the Lions. Their remaining needs are at cornerback, defensive line and receiver.
Five things to know about Vikings first-round pick Lewis Cine
Born in Haiti, the safety played under Deion Sanders in high school and was an MVP of the college football title game for Georgia.
Vikings target defensive back again in first round
Former General Manager Rick Spielman selected four cornerbacks and a safety in the first round since 2012. Only one of those players is still with the team.
Preparing for draft, Adofo-Mensah dropped spreadsheets, hit the road
Weeks before Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was set to make his initial draft pick on Thursday, he heeded advice from previous teams that turned him down for their general manager openings.
Podcast: Reading tea leaves on GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's first Vikings draft
Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss Adofo-Mensa's pre-draft press conference, including their options at pick No. 12, whether they stay there and what positions they might value.
Draft preview: Deep edge rusher class could benefit Vikings' defense
The Vikings defensive line could use depth on both the edge and interior in the new 3-4 front under coordinator Ed Donatell.
Nine from Minnesota to watch out for in the NFL draft
A half-dozen Gophers and three former Minnesota high school stars are among those who could be taken during the seven rounds of the draft.
Vikings mailbag: Trade scenarios, positions of need and a draft strategy
How will new general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah approach his first NFL draft for the Vikings? How will the Vikings use the 12th pick in the first round?
Draft preview: Vikings could find depth in this year's tight end class
While there isn't a tight end likely to be drafted in the first round — as there's been in four of the past five years — the Vikings should have options for finding a back-up to Irv Smith Jr.
Vikings draft preview: Pickett, Willis lead unheralded quarterback class
Kenny Pickett, after a breakout season at Pittsburgh, and Malik Willis, a rare and raw talent from Liberty, could rise to the top of what's considered a lackluster group.
Vikings bringing tight end Smith along slowly in return from injury
Irv Smith Jr.'s first run as the No. 1 tight end last year was derailed by a preseason injury, but coach Kevin O'Connell says Smith has the "perfect skill set" for the team's new offense.
Final Four report: Stanford's three-point shooters go cold vs. UConn
The Cardinal, the best three-point shooting team in the women's Final Four, struggled from everywhere on the court.
Final Four report: Coaches say transfer portal may not be all that it seems
The NCAA transfer portal became a hot subject Thursday in Minnesota and several of the Final Four coaches weighed in with their thoughts.
South Carolina's Boston, Staley sweep Naismith honors
Aliya Boston is averaging 16.8 points and 12.2 rebounds per game for the Gamecocks. Dawn Staley led them to the Final Four.
Vikings take another piece of Packers defense, signing Chandon Sullivan
A slot corner, Sullivan will likely replace Mackensie Alexander in a scheme that often deploys five defensive backs.
Smith's deal gives Vikings pay-as-they-go salary cap flexibility
Za'Darius Smith can earn up to $47 million in his three-year deal. But if things don't work out, the Vikings will be on the hook for only a small fracture of that amount.
Another former Packers free agent visiting with Vikings today
Cornerback Chandon Sullivan, who started 20 games as Green Bay's slot corner over the past two seasons, is making a free-agent visit to TCO Performance Center.
Vikings mailbag: On rebuilding, NFC race, draft strategy and more
Will the Wilfs ever embrace a rebuild? Has the NFC become more wide open amid offseason moves? Which Vikings free agents could still re-sign? You had questions, we had some answers.
Podcast: Vikings keep band together, will try to 'win in margins'
Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss this "competitive rebuild" and how the Vikings might be able to, as Adofo-Mensah says, "win in the margins."
Vikings are in a 'competitive rebuild,' GM Adofo-Mensah says
So far, that means not much of an overhaul despite attempts to gauge trade interest on high-profile starters. How does a team rebuild and compete at the same time?
New Purple People Eaters? Smith cites Vikings history in signing deal
Vikings officials took Za'Darius Smith through the team's museum at their Eagan headquarters, and he said he was awed by the history of the team's famed pass rush of another era.
Vikings re-sign backup QB Sean Mannion to one-year deal
Sean Mannion, who turns 30 next month, will remain in Minnesota for a fourth straight season as a veteran backup to Kirk Cousins.
Border crossing? Ex-Packers linebacker Smith visits Vikings
Pass rushing specialist Za'Darius Smith was released last week by Green Bay. He is hoping for a comeback after being limited to one game last season by back surgery.
Vikings to keep Hunter as $18M bonus becomes guaranteed
Defensive end Danielle Hunter has an $18 million roster bonus that became guaranteed on Sunday, meaning the Vikings are holding onto the Pro Bowl pass rusher after exploring trade options.
Thielen restructures contract to give Vikings salary cap relief
Receiver Adam Thielen and the Vikings agreed to terms on a contract restructure, his agency announced on Friday, which is expected to create more salary cap space.
Source: Vikings hosted Bills guard Ryan Bates, a restricted free agent
Bates, 25, started Buffalo's final five games last season at guard. He's a restricted free agent, meaning the Bills have the right to match offers from other teams.
Get to know new Vikings Jordan Hicks and Harrison Phillips
The linebacker and the defensive tackle are the team's two biggest free-agent signings since the league year opened Wednesday.
Vikings set April 11 reporting date, taking one-week head start instead of two
Coach Kevin O'Connell is taking a one-week head start on the Vikings' offseason program, letting players voluntarily report April 11 instead of the two-week head start allowed for first-year head coaches.
Tackle swap: Vikings add Harrison Phillips, release Michael Pierce
The Vikings opened free agency by releasing Pierce to help make room for Phillips, the 26-year-old former Bills tackle who started eight games last season.
With Cousins' contract settled, what's next for the Vikings as free agency opens?
Cornerback, edge rusher, linebacker and both lines require the attention — and significant investment — from new GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
Former Vikings cornerback Gladney found not guilty on felony assault charge
The 2020 first-round pick was on trial on a felony assault charge stemming from an altercation with a woman last year.
Vikings add ex-Rams trainer Williams to replace fired Sugarman
Tyler Williams replaces Eric Sugarman, who was fired this week after 16 years with the Vikings. Williams is the fifth former Rams staff member to come to Minnesota.
Heralded cornerback class could be just what Vikings need, again
NFL evaluators laud the depth of cornerbacks available, and the Vikings currently have only four signed for next season.
Vikings poke and prod at supposedly weak quarterback draft class
Kirk Cousins' contract status and other teams' desperation leaves the new regime to ponder possible successors and wonder about potential suitors.
NFL teams will have their eyes on Minnesota edge rushers at combine
The Vikings, like many NFL teams seeking more at the position, will watch Saturday as ex-Gophers star Boye Mafe and Eden Prairie's Jermaine Johnson drill at the combine.
Cook's younger brother says he has one advantage over Dalvin
The Vikings star running back has taught James Cook a lot of lessons over the years. But there's one skills in which James thinks he's surpassed Dalvin.
Vikings' streak of drafting offensive linemen early could be finished
The new Vikings leadership brought a change in tone around the perennial lighting rod that is the offensive line. Coach Kevin O'Connell says he sees "a lot to build off" among players currently on the roster.
Fired Colts GM continues redemption tour with Vikings
Ryan Grigson's dismissal in 2017 was met with approval by former Colts players like punter Pat McAfee, who cited "unwarranted arrogance," and receiver Reggie Wayne, who said it was "about time."
O'Connell wants 'ownership' of a Vikings defense under construction
While Kevin O'Connell's focus is building a Vikings' offense to his liking, he doesn't want to lose track of a defense that could undergo major changes in personnel and scheme.
Podcast: Vikings storylines from the NFL scouting combine
The Vikings' new brain trust said a lot in Indianapolis, but what can be gleaned about top storylines from quarterback Kirk Cousins to defensive end Danielle Hunter?
With decisions coming on Cousins and Barr, Vikings have 'a puzzle'
General Manager Kwesi-Adofo Mensah and coach Kevin O'Connell are at the NFL scouting combine to continue catching up with other teams in constructing the roster.
Vikings add six more coaches to complete O'Connell's new staff
Among the additions is a "game management coordinator" in Ryan Cordell, who has a math and finance background and previously worked with GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
