Recent content from Ben Goessling
Camp competition heats up in Vikings' eternal search for starting guards
Blake Brandel enters training camp as the starter on the left side, and Ed Ingram is back on the right, but Dalton Risner could push for a starting spot.
Vikings rookie Turner gets to 'slow it down' in NFL
Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner is used to toiling under Nick Saban at Alabama. Under Brian Flores, the rookie is working on his technique to prepare for an eclectic role on the defense.
Flores works through his grief at Vikings training camp
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores said he has "my moments where I get down" about the death of rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson in a July 6 car accident.
Vikings lose cornerback Blackmon to knee injury in first practice
Mekhi Blackmon, a second-year corner who started three games last season, tore his ACL on Wednesday.
Is Vikings starting QB job really up for grabs at training camp?
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday, "It's going to be a very competitive camp at multiple positions." The Star Tribune is taking a look at each of those camp competitions. First up: Quarterbacks.
Vikings sign Darrisaw to new deal worth up to $113 million
A contract extension for Christian Darrisaw figured to be the next big item on the Vikings' to-do list, and Tuesday, he agreed to a four-year deal that could make him the highest-paid left tackle in the NFL.
Heartbroken Vikings will honor rookie Khyree Jackson all season
Players will wear helmet patches with cornerback Khyree Jackson's initials, and his No. 31 and locker will go unused after his death in car accident on July 6.
![J.J. McCarthy became the highest-drafted quarterback in Vikings history when the team selected him at No. 10 overall in April.
] AARON LAVINSKY](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/YCK6THIOM5FBDG5AOZQJHNHWAU.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Vikings, QB McCarthy agree to terms on rookie contract
Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the 10th pick in the NFL draft, is expected to make $21.85 million, with a $12.71 million signing bonus. The team's training camp begins next week.
Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson killed in car accident at 24
Khyree Jackson, who once quit football to work at a Chipotle and a grocery store before becoming a fourth-round draft pick, died in a car accident in his native Maryland with two high school teammates.
For Vikings rookie McCarthy, team's summer break won't be a vacation
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy plans to spend most of the five weeks before training camp in Minnesota, working out at the team facility and learning the playbook.
How the Vikings determined Jefferson's value, set up for the future
Vikings Insider: Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O'Connell came to Minnesota with a plan. They've arrived at the juncture that will determine whether it worked.
New Vikings QB Darnold getting a lot of help in learning team's offense
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is surrounded by the most offensive talent he's had in his checkered NFL career and has inherited some tricks for understanding coach Kevin O'Connell's scheme.
'I'm the leader of this team.' Jefferson era with Vikings gets fresh start.
Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson returned to team headquarters for a mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, discussed his record $140 million contract extension and practiced with his new QBs for the first time.
Vikings' Jefferson agrees to record-setting contract
Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson's four-year, $140 million extension averages $35 million per season, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. The agreement wrapped up nearly a year of negotiations on the eve of the team's minicamp this week.
Vikings' Addison building connections with new QBs
With Justin Jefferson away from the Vikings and T.J. Hockenson injured, the second-year receiver has been the team's top target this spring.
Vikings bring back veteran guard Dalton Risner
Dalton Risner, who started 11 games last season, found common ground with the Vikings on a new deal that adds to Minnesota's offensive line options in 2024.
Former Packer joins Vikings' crowded tight end room
With T.J. Hockenson still recovering from his torn ACL, the Vikings added another passing target in Robert Tonyan, who should be familiar to fans of NFC North teams.
Vikings 2024 schedule: Cousins returns to Minnesota in December
The full 2024 NFL schedule was released Wednesday. Here is a game-by-game look at the Vikings season, which begins at the Giants, ends in Detroit and includes nearly 22,000 air miles.
Vikings fans could get an early preseason look at McCarthy
The Vikings play only one preseason game at home, on Aug. 10, and it could provide a rare glimpse of rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Vikings will play Aaron Rodgers in October, Caleb Williams in November
The Vikings will face an old nemesis in London in October and have their first game against new Bears QB Caleb Williams in November.
Cousins, Rodgers, London: What we know about Vikings' 2024 schedule
The NFL will release the regular-season schedule Wednesday night, assigning dates, times and TV networks to the slate of Vikings opponents we've known for months. The list includes some familiar faces and places.
McCarthy loses bet, learns from his coach's mistake all in first Vikings practice
Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy gained a valuable and exhausting lesson about talking trash to the opposing defense.
Five questions the Vikings are facing after the NFL draft
The Vikings emerged from the NFL draft with their successor to Kirk Cousins and their pass rusher to follow Danielle Hunter. Now, they'll see how it all works.
Vikings roster overhaul could lead to most competitive training camp in years
Vikings Insider: From quarterback to cornerback, from both lines of scrimmage to kicker, the battle for roster spots and positions on the depth chart will be intense.
Meet the Vikings' 2024 NFL draft class
The Vikings' seven draft picks included a QB of the future, a star edge rusher, a kicker and some help for the offensive and defensive lines.
Recap: How Vikings used five picks on Day 3 of the draft
The Vikings added a cornerback, two offensive linemen, a defensive lineman and, yes, a kicker on the final day of the NFL draft.
New QB McCarthy says Vikings 'just a perfect fit'
J.J. McCarthy's youth and relatively low usage at Michigan mean he comes to the Vikings with things to learn from a coach who's said rookie QBs benefit from time to develop.
Vikings take McCarthy, Turner in first-round bid to 'swing for a great player'
The Vikings played a big role in a wild first round of the NFL draft by making two trades so they were better position to select Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy and Alabama pass rusher Dallas Turner.
Vikings first-round recap: Trades yield QB, edge rusher
The Vikings traded up twice in the first round of the NFL draft and selected Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy at No. 10 and Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner at No. 17.
Vikings mock draft: seven rounds, eight picks and, yes, one quarterback
Star Tribune Vikings beat reporter Ben Goessling predicts how the team will use its nine draft picks and secure a quarterback of the future.
Next phase of O'Connell's quarterback journey begins tonight
In the first round of the NFL draft tonight, the Vikings could make franchise history with a choice coach Kevin O'Connell was hired two years ago to make.
Quarterback of the future? This Vikings mystery is about to end.
Part 6 of a series: Six quarterbacks are on the draft radar to fill both practical and philosophical needs for the Vikings.
Grateful for the beast that is the Boston Marathon
Star Tribune Vikings beat reporter Ben Goessling ran his first Boston Marathon on Monday, and by the time he finished, gratitude for the experience overshadowed any disappointments.
Training for Boston Marathon during a never-ending Vikings season
Interviews, free-agent signings and NFL injuries interrupted Vikings reporter Ben Goessling's training to prepare for the race. So how did he prepare to run in today's race?
How NIL and the transfer portal are shaking up the Vikings' draft strategy
This year's NFL draft includes just 58 underclassmen, the result of NIL and transfer rules that empower players to stay in college longer.
Vikings offensive coordinator suspended for three weeks without pay
Wes Phillips pleaded guilty in February to careless driving after a December arrest on suspicion of drunken driving. He can return to work April 23, the week of the NFL draft.
NFL overhauls kickoff rules. Here's how they'll look.
The change, approved on a trial basis for 2024, comes after years of discussion over the future of the kickoff, as the NFL sought to reduce injury and increase excitement.
Three things Brian Flores was looking for to evolve Vikings defense
When Kevin O'Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores met to discuss the Vikings' defense for 2024, they knew there were holes to fill in three areas.
![Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell Monday, October 23, 2023, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ • carlos.gonzale](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/5COUORX3RV65GHIXSWHBOFAJVE.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Inside Kevin O'Connell's plan for picking Vikings' next quarterback
Private workouts, public lunches and chats with star receiver Justin Jefferson are part of the head coach's process for choosing the Vikings' quarterback of the future.
Vikings keeping Justin Jefferson in the loop on quarterback changes
The Vikings are once again trying to sign star receiver Justin Jefferson to a contract extension while bringing in someone new to throw him passes.
Smith's restructured deal saves Vikings almost $12 million
The Vikings also reworked safety Harrison Smith's deal for 2025, while using void years with players such as quarterback Sam Darnold to give themselves additional salary cap space.
Vikings add two more free-agent linebackers to restocked defense
The Vikings continued to build defensive depth and have now added seven players from other teams, including five linebackers.
The Vikings acquired the No. 23 pick in a trade. What will they do next?
Acquiring another high draft pick could indicate they'll want to move up as they try to replace Kirk Cousins at quarterback.
Feelings aside, moving on from Cousins 'the right thing,' O'Connell says
Flurry of free-agent signings, quest for long-term quarterback mark a fresh chapter in partnership of Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
Smith agrees to pay cut, will return for 13th season with Vikings
Pro Bowl safety Harrison Smith hinted at retirement at the end of last season, but he will be back with the Vikings, who drafted him in the first round in 2012.
Cousins goes to Atlanta, says he hopes to 'retire as a Falcon'
Quarterback Kirk Cousins said he prioritized the commitment made by the Falcons over a relationship with the Vikings that was "somewhat year-to-year." His wife Julie is from Atlanta.
Cousins' contract: Atlanta agreed to do what the Vikings wouldn't
How the Falcons approached Kirk Cousins in 2024 resembled how the Vikings courted him in 2018, when they thought a quarterback upgrade was the missing link to a Super Bowl title.
Hunter hits the road, agreeing to two-year contract with Houston
According to multiple reports, Danielle Hunter is planning to sign with the Texans, moving to his hometown with a deal that makes him one of football's highest-paid edge rushers.
Vikings sign quarterback Darnold to one-year deal
Veteran QB Sam Darnold is seen as a short-term solution as the Vikings replace Kirk Cousins. Darnold played in 10 games for the 49ers last season.
Cousins gets $180 million deal with Falcons, ending 6 years with Vikings
Kirk Cousins leaves the Vikings as one of the most successful quarterbacks in franchise history, after agreeing to a four-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons.
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.
Will Vikings turn to Cousins or someone else at quarterback?
If Kirk Cousins leaves as a free agent next week, the Vikings would likely scour the free agent market for a short-term starter. Here are some available options.
Vikings agree to terms with tight end Johnny Mundt on new contract
Tight end Johnny Mundt, who was set to become a free agent next week, could play a larger role in the offense with T.J. Hockenson recovering from knee surgery.
What will Vikings do if Danielle Hunter leaves?
The Vikings head into 2024 with a major need for pass rush help. Three pass rushers are set to become free agents, including Hunter, who had a career-high 16 1/2 sacks last season.
Vikings officially release running back Mattison
Running back Alexander Mattison is a free agent a year after signing a two-year, $7 million deal with the Vikings. The team could be in the market for someone to pair with Ty Chandler in the backfield when free agency opens next week.
10 days to go: Cousins, Vikings have placed their bets
We'll soon find out if there's a compromise, or a winner, or a new starting quarterback in Minnesota in 2024.
Vikings tell Mattison they plan to release him after mediocre 2023 season
The team delivered the news to running back Alexander Mattison on Thursday, ending his five years in Minnesota with a season in which he didn't score a rushing touchdown.
With Flores back, Vikings plan defense's next steps
Coach Kevin O'Connell was expecting Brian Flores to get head coaching interviews, but the defensive coordinator will have a big say in offseason moves in his second year with the Vikings.
New QB? O'Connell says Cousins 'knows how I feel about him.'
Talking at the NFL combine, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said he's been in frequent touch with Kirk Cousins. His health could complicate contract negotiations.
Is the Vikings' next QB awaiting them at this week's NFL combine?
The quarterback decision is a complex question for the Vikings, and it sits atop a list of pivotal decisions facing GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O'Connell as they begin their third offseason together.
Vikings hire former Broncos coach to lead defensive line
The Vikings added Marcus Dixon, Denver's defensive line coach, to serve the same role in Minnesota and made assistant head coach Mike Pettine their outside linebackers coach as well.
T.J. Hockenson has surgery to repair ACL; C.J. Ham named to Pro Bowl Games
T.J. Hockenson had a career-high 95 receptions this season for the Vikings before he was injured Dec. 24 against Detroit.
Vikings part with head athletic trainer
Head trainer Uriah Myrie, who'd worked under Tyler Williams in the Vikings' player health and performance department, is out after two seasons with the team.
Who stays? Who goes? Vikings' calls on 16 players will shape the future
Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter are free agents. Harrison Smith could retire. Justin Jefferson has earned a lucrative contract extension. The Vikings face a series of franchise-changing choices.
Vikings will play home game in London during 2024 NFL season
Next season the Vikings will return to London, where they are 3-0, including a victory over the Saints in 2022.
Vikings' pivotal offseason could shape franchise for next decade
Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said he 'can't run from the stakes' ahead of an offseason that starts with him intending to bring back Kirk Cousins at quarterback.
As Vikings clean lockers, Cousins talks contract, desire to return
Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins signaled a willingness to consider a more affordable deal and the possibility the team might draft his successor.
Vikings head to offseason of uncertainty after 30-20 loss to Lions
The Vikings finished 7-10 and out of the NFL playoffs, their first 10-loss season since 2013. They lost six of their last seven games in a season full of flaws and frustrations.
Vikings lose 30-20 to the Lions, finishing 7-10 and out of NFL playoffs
The Vikings finished 7-10 and out of the NFL playoffs, their first 10-loss season since 2013. They lost six of their last seven games in a season full of flaws and frustrations.
In Vikings' confounding season, they had no answers in the end
The loss of quarterback Kirk Cousins, combined with youth and injuries on defense, put the Vikings in an untenable situation they never really solved.
Vikings-Lions prediction: Slim playoff hopes and something to prove
The Lions are bringing "controlled fury" to the regular season finale while the Vikings have fallen to the fringes of the playoff race.
Vikings big question: What are they playing for in finale vs. the Lions?
Yes, the Vikings still have an outside chance at a playoff spot. But this weekend's results could also lead to a top-10 draft pick.
Home-field advantage? Vikings were as bad as the Les Steckel year
The Vikings concluded one of their worst home seasons in franchise history with a 33-10 loss Sunday.
Ben Goessling's Vikings-Packers prediction: Which team will stay alive in the playoff hunt?
The Vikings likely need to win their last two games to claim a playoff berth and once again will have to calibrate their offense for a different quarterback.
As Vikings cycle through QBs, case for Cousins' return grows stronger
Vikings Insider: Kirk Cousins has a powerful advocate in Justin Jefferson, and the quarterback's absence has shown his value in Minnesota as much as his play.
