Recent content from Ben Goessling
New coach O'Connell has Vikings taking 'class on the grass'
Vikings players had plenty to learn during offseason program with new coaching staff and new defensive scheme.
Vikings look to social outings to help build better team
Kirk Cousins called it 'an extra heartbeat,' that time spent together off the field can help players and coaches make stronger connections.
When the Vikings play softball, their long snapper becomes the star
Andrew DePaola hit four home runs at CHS Field at a charity game. "I don't know if anyone knew I could play baseball," he said.
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.
Former Vikings first-round pick Gladney, 25, dies after car crash
Cornerback Jeff Gladney started 15 of the Vikings' 16 games in 2020.
No more fear: Veteran Kendricks plays role in new Vikings culture
Eric Kendricks' words about the team's management — "I don't think a fear-based organization is the way to go" — grabbed headlines when the Wilfs fired Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman.
Vikings name former 49ers executive as VP of football operations
Demitrius Washington has been with San Francisco for seven seasons, beginning his time there alongside new GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in the 49ers football research and development department.
Vikings limit tryouts at rookie camp, focus on passing game
Only 42 players, far below the usual 70 or 80, were on the field Friday for the first day of new coach Kevin O'Connell's first rookie minicamp.
Vikings will open against Packers, host Patriots on Thanksgiving
The Vikings will host a Thanksgiving game for the first time, one of a series of notable match-ups on the 2022 schedule, which also includes opening at home against Green Bay.
Vikings will play Eagles on 'Monday Night Football' in Week 2
The Sept. 19 matchup will be the Vikings' second trip to Lincoln Financial Field since the NFC Championship game after the 2017 season.
Vikings headed to London again, will play Saints on October 2
The game, to be played at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, will be the Vikings' third in London since 2013. The Vikings will not give up a home game to make the trip.
Vikings decline center Garrett Bradbury's fifth-year option
The decision, which was widely expected, will make the 2019 first-round pick a free agent after the season.
Five big questions for the Vikings after their 10-player draft
The Vikings made six trades and spent most of their early picks on defense. Here are questions to consider as the team prepares to gather for workouts later this month.
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.
Trades with rivals were risks worth taking for Vikings GM
Vikings Insider: Adofo-Mensah's first draft as an NFL general manager, will be remembered, rightly or wrongly, for a pair of deals in the first two rounds that allowed NFC North rivals to select receivers.
Vikings shift focus to offense in last two rounds of draft
After mostly drafting defenders in early rounds, the Vikings added an offensive tackle, a wide receiver and a tight end in the sixth and seventh rounds.
Vikings' top pick Cine thrives on playing a physical game
Georgia safety Lewis Cine said he would strive to play in a smart, rugged manner and bring a physical element to the Vikings' defense while complying with ever-changing NFL rules.
Get to know Vikings' Day 2 draft picks
The Vikings selected cornerback Andrew Booth Jr., offensive lineman Ed Ingram and linebacker Brian Asamoah on Friday night.
Vikings trade back, select Georgia safety Cine at No. 32 in NFL draft
Draft charts that measure the value of each pick were divided on whether the Vikings won the trade, or whether they should have gotten more from Detroit in the swap.
First draft, new story: How will Vikings draft change under Adofo-Mensah?
Even while using much of predecessor Rick Spielman's scouting operation, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has given hints about how he will handle the team's picks differently.
Our complete Vikings mock draft: Eight picks and a couple of trades
Football writer Ben Goessling walks you through his thoughts about what the Vikings will do in the team's first draft with Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O'Connell in charge.
Draft preview: Heard this before? Vikings need to invest in cornerbacks
The team has taken four cornerbacks in the first round since 2013 — and it won't be a surprise if they select yet another one on Thursday night.
Vikings' top needs in the 2022 NFL draft
For the first time since 2006, Rick Spielman isn't in charge of the Vikings' draft. But they need help at the position he emphasized in the first round: cornerback.
Draft preview: New leaders take on Vikings' ongoing offensive line situation
GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O'Connell get to try their hand at the problem that plagued Rick Spielman and Mike Zimmer as much as any other.
Draft preview: Adding receiver may be tempting to Vikings
The Vikings may consider using one of their first three picks on a receiver who could develop alongside Justin Jefferson.
Vikings players take the lead in offseason workouts
During the first two weeks of the NFL offseason program, the on-field work happens under of the watch of strength and conditioning coaches.
Jefferson, Vikings endorse O'Connell's changes, approachability
The players have been all smiles through the first two days of new coach Kevin O'Connell's first offseason program, talking optimistically about the team's new culture.
Cousins sets a goal: 'I would like to retire as a Viking'
As the team reconvenes under new coach Kevin O'Connell, its quarterback spoke to reporters for the first time since he signed a one-year contract extension.
What a rush: O'Connell set to deploy Hunter, Smith in revamped defense
During a 30-minute media session this week, Vikings' new coach Kevin O'Connell talked about how he plans to use his edge-rushing tandem in a 3-4 defense.
Cornerback Peterson taking pay cut to return to Vikings
Patrick Peterson announced his signing on his podcast, saying: "I'm not trying to back up the Brink's truck any more," and that he just wanted a respectable contract.
NFL changes postseason OT rules; Vikings among teams to vote no
The Vikings favored guaranteeing both teams one possession in overtime. but preferred a different method than the one passed by the league's owners.
Vikings banking on the relationship between O'Connell, Cousins
Kevin O'Connell worked with Kirk Cousins as a quarterbacks coach with Washington in 2017, and that familiarity and ability to communicate well with each other should help the entire offense.
Vikings add ex-Dolphins guard Davis, ex-Broncos cornerback Hairston
While Kevin O'Connell attends seminars and catches up with his counterparts in his first NFL annual meetings as Vikings coach, the team added two players to his roster.
NFL announces diversity, equity and inclusion initiative
The league will pay teams up to $200,000 to add a minority or female coach to its offensive staff in 2022.
Under new regime, Vikings keep roster and salary-cap predicament largely intact
As the new league year opened, the team opted not to follow through on a hard reset, again pushing money problems into future seasons.
Vikings pursue fiscally prudent approach to building team
Facing salary cap issues, the team has turned to affordable free agents like Harrison Phillips and Jordan Hicks, whom the team believes will be solid additions.
Vikings gain $6 million in cap space by restructuring Smith's contract
The team converted safety Harrison Smith's $8 million roster bonus to a signing bonus, helping them officially sign the free agents they added this week.
As NFL free agency opens, cap-strapped Vikings keep moves modest
With the beginning of the league year, the Vikings officially signed defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, re-signed punter Jordan Berry and agreed to terms with two other free agents with ties to new coaches.
Defensive overhaul continues, Vikings reach deal with linebacker Hicks
Bringing in Jordan Hicks, who played with Arizona, continued efforts to revamp the front seven — and could reflect the end of the linebacker alignment of the Mike Zimmer era.
Vikings extend Cousins' contract through 2023, gain cap space
The deal came just before the start of NFL free agency and resolves what might have been the biggest question for the team's new leadership.
Vikings part ways with head athletic trainer Sugarman
Eric Sugarman had been with the team for 16 years, one of the longest-tenured members of its football department.
Vikings' new special teams coordinator has ties to Rams, too
Matt Daniels will become the second coordinator with Rams ties to join the staff under new Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell. Among other hires was defensive backs coach Daronte Jones, who held that same position under Mike Zimmer in 2020.
Time for O'Connell and Adofo-Mensah to get to work — and quickly
The Vikings' protracted searches for Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O'Connell finally give way to a truncated offseason schedule and a hefty to-do list.
Vikings usher in a new era as O'Connell takes the team's reins
Kevin O'Connell seemed to be building a thesis during Thursday's press conference: The team's current roster has enough talent to win right now. All it needs is to be managed properly.
Vikings announce nine assistant coaches for O'Connell's staff
The list for new head coach Kevin O'Connell includes defensive coordinator Ed Donatell and assistant head coach Mike Pettine, the Packers' defensive coordinator from 2018-20.
O'Connell to be introduced as Vikings head coach this afternoon
Kevin O'Connell becomes the second-youngest coach in Vikings history behind Norm Van Brocklin, who was 35 when he coached the franchise's first game.
Rams, Bengals offenses offer glimpse for Vikings future under O'Connell
The Super Bowl matchup will be a showcase for an offensive lineage that now includes Kevin O'Connell, set to become the Vikings' new head coach.
New coordinator Donatell could bring big change to Vikings defense
If the Vikings switch to a three-man defensive front under new defensive coordinator Ed Donatell, it could change how they evaluate certain players, including pass rushers like Danielle Hunter.
Vikings add former Colts GM Grigson to front office
Ryan Grigson, who worked with new Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in Cleveland, joins the team in a senior personnel role.
In choosing O'Connell, Vikings stick to their vision for the future
A high-profile flirtation with Jim Harbaugh ended without an offer, as the Vikings found a partner for Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in 36-year-old Kevin O'Connell.
Vikings choose Rams' Kevin O'Connell as new head coach
The Vikings spent most of Wednesday interviewing Michigan's Jim Harbaugh but never made him an offer. Instead, they chose the Rams' offensive coordinator, who can't officially be hired until after the Super Bowl.
Vikings narrow head coach candidate list, set Harbaugh interview
After interviewing the Rams' Raheem Morris and Kevin O'Connell in California on Monday, the team will interview Patrick Graham in Minnesota today and Jim Harbaugh on Wednesday.
What could 'analytics' mean to reshaped Vikings? Winning games, winning over skeptics
What the word means to people — inside the organization and to fans — will determine much of the initial perception of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's work as general manager,
Vikings talk to Harbaugh, interview Giants coordinator Graham
The Vikings had exploratory conversations with Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh to gauge interest on both sides in the team's head coaching position. He coached the 49ers for four seasons.
Giants' defensive coordinator Graham to get next Vikings coaching interview
Patrick Graham will have an interview with the team Saturday, as the first candidate added to the Vikings' list since Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was hired as general manager.
Journey begins for Adofo-Mensah as new GM takes command of Vikings
As Kwesi Adofo-Mensah shared his approach to his new job, he was short on specifics while making it clear he believes his unorthodox path to the job will be an advantage to reshaping the Vikings.
Vikings make it official: Browns' Adofo-Mensah hired as general manager
The first Vikings general manager search in 16 years put team officials in interviews with the widest range of candidates in club history. The winning candidate took a path to the GM's office like few in the NFL.
Adofo-Mensah appears to be favorite for Vikings GM job; Bears hire Poles
Cleveland Browns executive Kwesi Adofo-Mensah remained in the Twin Cities on Tuesday night as his conversations with the Vikings continued into the evening.
First challenge for Vikings' new GM? Solving the salary cap puzzle
The Vikings last season chose to defer costs to 2022, leaving a bill for Rick Spielman's successor to pick up.
Source: Browns' Adofo-Mensah, Chiefs' Poles gain second interviews in Vikings' GM search
The Vikings are expected to meet again with both candidates next week after an initial round of eight interviews to find Rick Spielman's replacement.
Raiche makes NFL history, interviews for Vikings GM position
By Monday's end, the Vikings were to have completed first interviews with four external candidates, including Eagles' executive Catherine Raiche, believed to be the first woman to interview for a GM position in the NFL.
At end of Spielman-Zimmer era, Vikings were team on edge
Mike Zimmer's unremitting approach yielded more wins than any coach not named Bud Grant or Dennis Green, but ultimately wore thin.
Vikings request interviews with seven coaches, including Bowles
The team asked to speak with NFL assistants who are currently coaching in the playoffs such as the Buccaneers' Todd Bowles, the Packers' Nathaniel Hackett and the Cowboys' Kellen Moore and Dan Quinn.
Vikings seek interviews with Raiche, Ossenfort, six others for GM job
Catherine Raiche, the Eagles' VP of football operations, would be the first woman to interview for a GM job in NFL history. Monti Ossenfort, the Titans' player personnel director, is a Luverne native and Minnesota Morris alumnus.
Vikings request interviews with four for GM job; here are four others to watch
The first two days of the Vikings' general manager and coaching searches have played out relatively quietly, but there were signs things were starting to pick up as of Wednesday evening.
Wilfs clean house; players want coach who can connect with them
Owners Mark and Zygi Wilf say they'll hire a new general manager before naming a new coach. Veteran Eric Kendricks said some of ex-coach Mike Zimmer's sharp-tongued critiques didn't sit well with players.
Vikings sack Zimmer, Spielman; replacement search starting now
Coach Mike Zimmer and General Manager Rick Spielman had two years remaining on their contracts. But a day after the Vikings finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs, owners Zygi and Mark Wilf opted for a total reset.
Beginning of the end? Vikings await big decisions after beating Bears
Kirk Cousins dropped to a knee on the final play as fans booed the decision not to give Justin Jefferson a shot at a team receiving record. Bigger decisions await the team.
Five bets the Vikings made in 2021 that didn't pay off
A veteran secondary. A healthy front seven. A bigger offensive line. A first-time offensive play-caller. A spotty vaccination record.
Vikings-Bears preview: 3 story lines, 2 key matchups, 1 prediction
The result of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium could come down to which team plays harder for a coach who might be in his final game.
Vikings' Smith is a safety of his time, trying to adapt to changing NFL
At the end of his 10th NFL season, safety Harrison Smith remains a hallmark of the Vikings defense for his ability to disguise blitzes and coverage shifts.
Rodgers' dominance shows Vikings' secondary is again a problem
The Packers quarterback has thrown 13 touchdowns without an interception in his past four games against Minnesota, posting passer ratings above 100 each time.
Overmatched Vikings blown out of game — and playoff race — in loss to Packers
The Vikings' playoff hopes were euthanized Sunday night, in a 37-10 defeat that felt like an anthology of their worst moments against their hated rivals from Green Bay.
Last stand at Lambeau: After season fending off disaster, Vikings' challenge toughens
The Vikings will take on Green Bay and need to win — as 13 1/2-point underdogs — to avoid being eliminated from playoff contention. And they'll be without quarterback Kirk Cousins and other key players.
Vikings-Packers preview: 3 key story lines, 2 matchups, 1 prediction
Minnesota will take on Green Bay without quarterback Kirk Cousins, receiver Adam Thielen and so many others, but Dalvin Cook is back and looms as a linchpin.
