Recent content from Andrew Krammer
Vikings rookie first-rounder Turner finding his bearings
At the opening of a three-day rookie minicamp Friday, edge rusher Dallas Turner was taking comfort in the familiar, and Apple Valley's Spencer Rolland was happy to be home.
Podcast: Vikings mailbag on QB rankings, 2025 resources, McCarthy and more
Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer open the mailbag and answer your questions in this episode of the Access Vikings podcast.
Mailbag: Where did J.J. McCarthy rank on Vikings QB draft list?
GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said he got "a little bit more aggressive" than intended to draft McCarthy, the fifth quarterback selected. But the Vikings eyed a trade up to No. 3, which should provide a hint in answering the question.
![Vikings offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw (71) in action during the first quarter, Sunday, October 17, 2021 in Charlotte, NC. ] ELIZABETH FLORES •](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/A46SACSIKVSC3PM7QCLRJQZUP4.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Vikings pick up fifth-year option for left tackle Darrisaw
Christian Darrisaw, one of the NFL's best young blockers, is now under contract through 2025 and will get to protect the Vikings new quarterback.
Podcast: How will Vikings proceed with McCarthy and Darnold?
Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer recap the Vikings' seven draft selections, led by quarterback J.J. McCarthy. When should fans expect to see McCarthy on the field?
Vikings' sixth-round tackle has high standard for security
Walter Rouse, a Vikings sixth-round pick out of Oklahoma and Stanford, was in the same 2019 high school graduating class as Sasha Obama, the daughter of former President Barack Obama.
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.
No ordinary journey to NFL for new Vikings cornerback
Khyree Jackson, drafted by the Vikings in Saturday's fourth round, will turn 25 years old before playing his first NFL regular-season game after a circuitous journey to Minnesota that included a stop at the deli counter.
Gophers' Nubin is first safety selected in NFL draft
Tyler Nubin was taken in the second round Friday night by the Giants, where he'll rejoin former Gophers teammates John Michael Schmitz and Carter Coughlin.
Turner 'a game-wrecker' for Vikings pass rush
Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner, the reigning SEC defensive player of the year, was frequently projected as a top 10 draft pick, but the Vikings were able to grab him by trading up to the No. 17 pick.
Five things to know about new Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy
Meet J.J. McCarthy, a dominant winner from Illinois who won a national championship at Michigan last season, and someone the Vikings liked well enough to trade up one pick to No. 10 to secure him.
Five things to know about new Vikings edge rusher Dallas Turner
The Vikings traded up for Dallas Turner, the freakishly athletic reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year at Alabama, who said he molds his game after Danielle Hunter among others.
How will Minnesota be represented in the NFL draft?
Here are some players with state ties to watch for, ranging from a potential top-10 pick to others who might sign with pro teams as undrafted free agents.
Vikings look good at linebacker, but there's one issue to solve
The Vikings aren't likely to make a splash in the NFL draft at inside linebacker, with free-agent signing Blake Cashman expected to start next to Ivan Pace Jr.
Another first-round cornerback? Yes, Vikings have dire need.
Seventh in a series: As Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores said, "You can never have enough corners," and the team needs development and more talent in the secondary.
Gophers' Nubin called his shot, and now he may be NFL draft's top safety
Record-setting Gophers safety Tyler Nubin will realize a childhood dream during the NFL draft this week.
Lots of solid tight ends in draft, but Vikings don't need one
Fifth in a series: Even with T.J. Hockenson recovering from knee surgery, the Vikings have depth and some long-term stability at tight end.
Can the Vikings find long-term running back solution in the draft?
Fourth in a series: The Vikings could still use more talent for their rushing attack even after adding Aaron Jones from the Packers to lead their backfield.
What will Vikings defense look like in Year 2 under Flores?
The Star Tribune's Andrew Krammer and Purple Insider's Matthew Coller discuss Brian Flores' offseason, a Vikings defense in transition and Kevin O'Connell's comments about the team's QB decision in the latest Access Vikings podcast.
Much talent in draft at position where Vikings don't need much help
Third in a series: The Vikings don't need much help at receiver, but this is considered to be a very talented draft class for the teams that do.
Flores returns to Vikings after getting no head coaching interviews
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores spoke to reporters Tuesday about the team's offseason moves and what's in store for his second season in Minnesota.
Hockenson says NFL needs to look at hit that injured his knee
Tight end T.J. Hockenson, whose 95 catches led the Vikings last season, could miss the start of the regular season following surgery in January to repair a torn ACL.
This position rivals quarterback as Vikings' top need
The Vikings need defensive line help inside, outside and all over the place. There's a reason why edge rusher is the most common position selected by the Vikings in mock drafts.
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.
