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Sam Howell Sam Howell On the move to Minnesota
Sat, Apr 26, 2025, 1:43 PM
Howell was traded from the Seahawks to the Vikings on Saturday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: This was a likely outcome for Howell after Seattle drafted Jalen Milroe on Day 2 of the NFL Draft. Howell has starting experience and is a serviceable backup behind J.J. McCarthy, who is set to take over as the new starter in Minnesota. |
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J.J. McCarthy J.J. McCarthy No limitations at voluntary OTAs
Mon, Apr 21, 2025, 1:01 PM
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday at the start of Minnesota's voluntary OTAs that McCarthy (knee) will participate in "full" with "no limitations," Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: The 2024 first-round pick missed his entire rookie campaign due to a torn meniscus suffered just after his preseason debut, but after having resumed on-field work in January, O'Connell said McCarthy is now "ready to hit the ground running" with no training limitations, per Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune. Despite McCarthy not being able to log any action as a rookie, Minnesota's confidence in the young-signal caller was high enough for the team to allow Sam Darnold to sign with Seattle after a career year, leaving the 2024 10th overall pick in clear position to enter Year 2 as a starter. With an elite top trio of pass-catchers at his disposal in the form of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson, plus an O-line recently bolstered by offseason signings Ryan Kelly and Will Fries (lower leg), McCarthy has all the surrounding support necessary to start his tenure in the No. 1 seat strong. |
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Aaron Jones Aaron Jones May lose goal-line work to Mason
Mon, Apr 7, 2025, 9:48 AM
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell has hinted at reducing Jones' workload and using trade acquisition Jordan Mason as part of a "1A/1B backfield structure," ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert reports.
Analysis: O'Connell specifically mentioned goal-line and short-yardage situations as areas where Mason can help, noting that the Vikings "left a lot to be desired" in those situations last year. Jones returns as the starter after signing a two-year, $20 million contract, but it sounds like he's a long shot to match last season's career highs for snaps (700), rush attempts (255) and touches (306). The only disappointment in 2024 was scoring three times on 24 carries inside the 10-yard line, with just seven total TDs (five rushing) despite playing all 17 games and recording 1,546 yards from scrimmage (his most since 2019) at rates of 4.5 yards per carry and 8.0 per catch. While ceding goal-line carries is never a good thing for fantasy value, Mason's physical presence could help the 30-year-old Jones stay healthy and maintain his strong per-touch yardage production. |
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Jordan Mason Jordan Mason Should get goal-line chances
Mon, Apr 7, 2025, 9:28 AM
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell expects Mason (ankle) to "bring something to the table" in goal-line and short-yardage situations, ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert reports.
Analysis: O'Connell also discussed returning starter Aaron Jones, saying "when [Jones] has... that 1A/1B backfield structure, he can be a total game-changer every time he touches the ball." In other words, O'Connell hopes the 223-pound Mason can be 1B, taking carries between the tackles while Jones gets most of the work in space. The Vikings traded for Mason in mid-March, shortly after San Francisco gave him a second-round restricted free agent tender (and after Minnesota re-signed Jones on a two-year, $20 million contract). Mason missed the final five weeks of his 2024 breakout season with a high-ankle injury, but there hasn't been any report of surgery or a prolonged rehab process this offseason. |
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Rondale Moore Rondale Moore Finds new home in Minnesota
Wed, Mar 19, 2025, 7:14 PM
The Vikings signed Moore (knee) on Wednesday.
Analysis: Moore missed the entire 2024 season with a non-contact knee injury he suffered in a joint practice with the Dolphins last August. He was a second-round pick by the Cardinals in 2021 and appeared in 39 games for the team across three seasons, catching 135 passes for 1,201 yards and three touchdowns. In Minnesota, Moore will look to compete with Jalen Nailor for a depth job behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. |
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J.J. McCarthy J.J. McCarthy Appears locked in as starter
Wed, Mar 19, 2025, 8:42 AM
The Vikings have rejected multiple trade calls on McCarthy (knee) this offseason and aren't pursuing Aaron Rodgers in free agency, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Minnesota is still expected to sign a veteran quarterback after losing Sam Darnold and Nick Mullens last week, but it won't be someone that represents a serious threat to take the starting job from McCarthy. The 10th overall pick from the 2024 NFL Draft appeared be pressing Darnold for the starting gig last summer after throwing for 188 yards and two touchdowns in his preseason debut, only to be diagnosed with a torn meniscus a few days later. McCarthy had season-ending surgery in mid-August and didn't resume on-field work until the winter, but he should be back to full strength well before training camp. It isn't yet clear if he'll have any limitations during spring practices. |
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Tim Jones Tim Jones Going to Minneapolis
Tue, Mar 18, 2025, 1:09 PM
Minnesota will sign Jones from free agency, Craig Peters of the Vikings' official site reports.
Analysis: Jones has spent the past four seasons in Jacksonville, but now he'll get a fresh start with a new squad. He's coming off a 2024 season that saw him haul in three of his five targets for 41 yards over 17 games. He also contributed as a kick returner, and he could slot in as a regular special-teams contributor in 2025. |
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Jordan Mason Jordan Mason Traded to Minnesota
Sat, Mar 15, 2025, 8:02 PM
The 49ers traded Mason (ankle) to the Vikings on Saturday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: The 49ers placed a second-round tender worth $5.3 million on Mason when free agency began, but he'll now be shipped out along with the No. 187 pick of the 2025 NFL Draft in exchange for the No. 160 pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick, per David Lombardi of SFStandard.com. Mason will receive a two-year contract with the Vikings that's worth up to $12 million and includes $7 million guaranteed. Mason served as the 49ers' starting running back for the first half of the 2024 regular season due Christian McCaffrey being sidelined with Achilles injuries. Through the first eight games of the regular season, Mason rushed for 685 yards and three touchdowns on 134 carries while adding 10 catches (on 12 targets) for 86 yards, though he missed the final five games due to a high-ankle sprain. Ty Chandler was slated to be the Vikings' backup running back, but Mason's addition is an upgrade to the backfield led by Aaron Jones, who agreed to a two-year contract with Minneosta on March 9. |
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J.J. McCarthy J.J. McCarthy Left atop depth chart
Tue, Mar 11, 2025, 10:10 AM
McCarthy (knee) is positioned as Minnesota's starting quarterback after Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones left in free agency, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: The Vikings may still bring in a veteran quarterback, but anyone they acquire at this point likely would just be a backup. Reports suggest the Vikings had interest in retaining Darnold or Jones but ultimately weren't wiling to pay as much as other teams. That can be taken as at least a small sign of confidence in McCarthy, who missed his entire rookie season with a meniscus tear after playing well in his lone preseason appearance. The 10th overall pick from last year's draft resumed on-field work this winter and should be ready to practice before training camp. |
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Aaron Jones Aaron Jones Sticking with Minnesota
Sun, Mar 9, 2025, 4:13 PM
The Vikings signed Jones to a two-year, $20 million contract Sunday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Schefter adds that this contract includes $13 million in guaranteed salary, and his $10 million average annual salary will make Jones the sixth-highest-paid running back in the NFL by this metric. Jones signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Vikings after being let go by Green Bay last offseason and put up a career-best 1,138 rushing yards across 17 regular-season games in 2024. The 29-year-old dealt with numerous injuries throughout the year including a lingering quad issue that carried into the playoffs. Yet, he logged a career-high 255 rushing attempts and was an integral piece of Minnesota's offense all year. The Vikings appear set to begin their transition to J.J. McCarthy (Achilles) as the team's long-term starting quarterback moving forward, as last year's starter Sam Darnold will likely get a significant payday elsewhere with numerous teams looking for immediate help at starting quarterback. Jones' return will provide some significant stability to the Vikings' offense whether or not McCarthy is ready to step in under center by Week 1. With Cam Akers also currently slated to hit free agency, it's likely Minnesota will look to add a new No. 2 running back this offseason who can help share the load with Jones moving forward. |
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Sam Darnold Sam Darnold Target for Seattle?
Fri, Mar 7, 2025, 8:38 PM
Darnold is a logical free-agent target for Seattle after the Seahawks traded Geno Smith to Las Vegas on Friday, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.
Analysis: The Seahawks are is now in need of a new starting quarterback after moving Smith to the Raiders on Friday for a 2025 third-round draft pick. Condotta calls Darnold an "obvious target" for Seattle following the move but notes that the organization could also pursue other free-agent options. Darnold didn't have the franchise tag applied by Minnesota following his career-best 2024 campaign and is slated to be an unrestricted free agent upon the start of the new league year Wednesday |
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Sam Darnold Sam Darnold Not being franchise tagged
Tue, Mar 4, 2025, 2:47 PM
The Vikings will not franchise tag Darnold by Tuesday's deadline, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Darnold will officially be allowed to test free agency, which kicks off at the start of the new league year March 12, though Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reports that both sides remain mutually interested about potentially re-upping no a short-term deal. After a career-best 2024 campaign, however, in which he threw for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, Darnold's demand on the open market could exceed Minnesota's best offers, especially with 2024 first-rounder J.J. McCarthy (knee) waiting for a chance to vault into the starting role after having missed his rookie year due to injury. Darnold has reportedly drawn interest from teams including the Giants and raiders, and with Matthew Stafford having re-signed with the Rams, he figures to be viewed as an increasingly intriguing option for QB-need clubs. |
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Sam Darnold Sam Darnold Unlikely to get franchise tag
Mon, Mar 3, 2025, 9:05 PM
The Vikings aren't expected to place a franchise tag on Darnold, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Darnold broke through with a career-best season in 2024, registering a 35:12 TD:INT while throwing for 4,319 yards and completing 66.2 percent of his pass attempts over 17 regular-season games. However, he struggled in a Week 18 loss to the Lions that cost Minnesota a first-round playoff bye, throwing for just 166 yards, then had a subpar performance in the team's NFC wild-card loss to the Rams, throwing for 245 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Darnold joined the Vikings on a one-year contract last March, so he's slated to be a free agent and has drawn interest from the Giants and the Raiders, among other teams. However, Schefter notes that Minnesota remains interested in re-signing Darnold. |
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Sam Darnold Sam Darnold Wanted in New York and Vegas
Mon, Mar 3, 2025, 9:45 AM
The Giants and Raiders are believed to have the most interest in Darnold, but the Titans and Steelers may also vie for his services, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic.
Analysis: The Vikings have until Tuesday to place a franchise/transition tag on Darnold. They reportedly want him back, depending on the price, which means they may also consider a tag-and-trade if they sense the market for his services is especially strong. It sounds like the scenario in which he actually ends up playing for the Vikings in 2025 is one where he hits the open market but is disappointed by the available offers and returns to Minnesota as one of the lesser-paid starting QBs in the league. Darnold likely would have to compete with 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy (knee) in Minnesota, whereas the Raiders or Giants might consider offering assurances about starting in 2025. |
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C.J. Ham C.J. Ham Undergoes procedure on ankle
Wed, Feb 12, 2025, 6:09 PM
Ham underwent surgery Wednesday to address an ankle injury, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: Ham was listed on the Vikings' injury report toward the end of the season due to an ankle injury, but it wasn't significant enough for him to miss a single game in 2024. The veteran fullback should have enough time to fully recover before OTAs begin. |
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C.J. Ham C.J. Ham Handles seven touches in 2024
Wed, Jan 29, 2025, 9:18 PM
Ham finished the 2024 season with five catches for 35 yards on six targets and two rushes for 10 yards and one touchdown across 17 regular-season games.
Analysis: Ham played 262 offensive snaps across the 17 contests, and he saw another 282 snaps on special teams. The 31-year-old fullback has spent all eight seasons of his career with Minnesota and is under contract for one more season at a salary of $2.55 million. The Vikings are flush with 2025 cap space at the moment, but they have the quarterback situation to figure out and a load of potential free agents. Releasing the lightly-used Ham would clear $2.65 million against the cap. |
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Daniel Jones Daniel Jones Plays zero snaps for Minnesota
Wed, Jan 29, 2025, 9:13 PM
Jones didn't play a single offensive snap for the Vikings after he was signed by the team in November.
Analysis: After completing 216 of 341 passes (63.3 percent) for 2,070 yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions through 10 games for the at-the-time 2-8 Giants, Jones was released by the team and subsequently signed to the Vikings' practice squad. Jones was elevated from the practice squad ahead of Minnesota's wild-card playoff loss to the Rams, but he was deemed the emergency, third quarterback for that contest. Jones is slated to become a free agent this offseason, and it's unclear if the Vikings have plans to continue to try and develop the 27-year-old quarterback. |
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Nick Mullens Nick Mullens Plays seven snaps in 2024
Wed, Jan 29, 2025, 9:00 PM
Mullens completed two of two pass attempts for 38 yards and zero touchdowns across four games during the 2024 regular season.
Analysis: The veteran backup quarterback played a total of seven offensive snaps across the four contests, and he rushed three times for negative two yards on top of the limited pass attempts. Mullens turns 30 years old in March and is scheduled to be a free agent this offseason. The Vikings' quarterback picture is unclear, with both Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones also slated to be free agents. J.J. McCarthy (knee) is coming off a serious injury and missed his entire 2024 rookie campaign. |
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Johnny Mundt Johnny Mundt Posts 142 yards in 2024
Thu, Jan 23, 2025, 10:39 AM
Mundt finished the 2024 regular season with 19 catches for 142 yards and two touchdowns on 27 targets across 17 regular-season games.
Analysis: Mundt enjoyed a larger role prior to T.J. Hockenson's return from a knee injury in Week 9, with 93 of Mundt's 142 yards coming while Hockenson was sidelined. The 30-year-old Mundt added two catches for 28 yards on three targets in the wild-card round, but the Vikings were eliminated from playoff contention with a 27-9 loss to the Rams. Mundt will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. |
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Josh Oliver Josh Oliver Career-best numbers in 2024
Thu, Jan 23, 2025, 10:27 AM
Oliver finished the 2024 regular season with 22 catches for 258 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games.
Analysis: Oliver set career highs in receiving yards and touchdowns while matching his career-best 2023 totals exactly in targets and receptions. He caught his only target for five yards in Minnesota's playoff loss to the Rams. Oliver's blocking prowess earned him a steady role, and he played at least 46 percent of offensive snaps in all 15 regular-season appearances -- even after top tight end T.J. Hockenson returned from a knee injury in Week 9. Oliver remains under contract with the Vikings in 2025, albeit at an inflated $9.42 million cap hit. |
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