Access Vikings

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan recap the Vikings' 20-17 loss to the Buccaneers from U.S. Bank Stadium, where some familiar issues cropped up in the season opener. What to make of the injured offensive line? What about Justin Jefferson's day and lack of a new contract? They also discuss quarterback Kirk Cousins' interception at the goal line and look around the NFC North in Week 1.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand answer your Vikings questions as they will every Friday before a regular Sunday game. This week's topics include how the backfield will shake out behind Alexander Mattison, the offensive line depth, and where cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. falls in the pecking order. Krammer goes solo for 15 minutes to answer a couple more, plus share a bit of his interview with Mattison about the NFL running back market and how Alexander landed on coming back to Minnesota.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand are back again to discuss receiver Justin Jefferson's contract and whether he'll get paid ahead of Sunday's season opener against the Buccaneers. They also delve into the details of T.J. Hockenson's new deal and preview the Tampa Bay matchup.

The Vikings have the NFL's highest-paid tight end in T.J. Hockenson after agreeing to a four-year extension worth up to $68.5 million. Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss the deal and remaining negotiations on offense. Then Mark Craig, the Star Tribune's NFL writer, joins to talk about new faces on the 53-man roster you should know from undrafted rookies NaJee Thompson and Ivan Pace Jr. to punt returner Brandon Powell.

Training camp is over. The preseason is nearing the end. Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss tight end T.J. Hockenson's list of issues and reported contract demands. Will the Vikings keep three quarterbacks with the new NFL rule? Will that be rookie Jaren Hall? Or is Minnesota native Trey Lance still an option after he was relegated to No. 3 duties in San Francisco? They also break down players on the roster bubble ahead of Tuesday's cutdown deadline.

The Vikings are in their most important stretch of August, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell, who has many decisions to make when the team settles on a 53-man roster soon. Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss what they've seen at training camp and answer your questions.

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer preview the Vikings' preseason opener in Seattle. Who's going to play? What can be learned? They also discuss the outlook at cornerback, where Akayleb Evans appears set for a big role. Plus is Jordan Addison on a quick trajectory to the No. 2 receiver?

The Vikings hosted starting guard Dalton Risner on a free-agent visit this week. Minnesota’s pass-rush outlook also got a lot better with Danielle Hunter and the team agreeing to a patchwork, one-year deal that can send him on his way in 2024. Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss possible roster moves, training camp observations, the team’s plan with Hunter, and more.

Will Danielle Hunter be on the team in 2023? What about Justin Jefferson's contract extension? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand kick off Vikings training camp discussing top storylines, including star players, rookie receiver Jordan Addison and more.

After the Vikings' last OTA of the offseason, the Star Tribune's Andrew Krammer and Purple Insider's Matthew Coller ran through a list of players ahead of training camp. Who's trending up after the offseason program? Who needs a great camp and preseason the most?

Receiver Justin Jefferson reported to the first mandatory Vikings practice on Tuesday. Edge rusher Danielle Hunter did not, marking the first time the former 2015 draft pick is holding out. Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss Jefferson’s ongoing contract negotiations, the reasons why Hunter’s pay remains an issue, and answer your questions about the defense, quarterback Kirk Cousins and more on this Access Vikings episode.

The voluntary OTAs are over. The Vikings' first mandatory practices are set for next week. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss whether Dalvin Cook, Justin Jefferson and Danielle Hunter will be there. They also discuss the directions Brian Flores is taking last year's 31st-ranked pass defense.

The Vikings’ first “full team” practices of the offseason continue to miss notable players. Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss the absences of running back Dalvin Cook — and the likelihood he’ll be traded — and receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. What are the factors in Jefferson’s negotiations for an eventual mega deal? What did head coach Kevin O’Connell say about Addison being sidelined?

The Star Tribune's Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss storylines around Vikings spring practices at TCO Performance Center in Eagan, including coordinator Brian Flores changing over the defense, running back Dalvin Cook's absence and open competitions on the roster.

The Vikings added much-needed depth in the secondary and defensive line during the final rounds of the NFL Draft. Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss third-round cornerback Mekhi Blackmon, a versatile and physical defender out of USC. They also share what drew the Vikings to BYU quarterback Jaren Hall in the fifth round and what the seventh-round pick of a running back means.

The Vikings landed a coveted cohort for superstar Justin Jefferson on Thursday night. Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss USC receiver Jordan Addison, one of the youngest players in this year's NFL Draft, as well as GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's decision to stay put at No. 23 overall and the quick run on quarterbacks.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview the Vikings draft this week, discuss Goessling sending Florida's Anthony Richardson to the Vikings in his mock draft, what the Vikings are looking for in a successor to Kirk Cousins, non-QB options in the first round, trade scenarios and more.

Talks are 'ongoing' with Vikings stars Za'Darius Smith and Dalvin Cook, according to GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the still-fluid Vikings roster and other takeaways from Thursday's press conference with Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell. That includes the team's outlook entering the NFL Draft in two weeks and expectations for the 2022 draft class.

Ben Goessling joins Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand from the NFL league meetings in Phoenix, where Vikings owner Mark Wilf and head coach Kevin O'Connell met with reporters. They discuss a roster in flux, the statuses of Za'Darius Smith and Dalvin Cook, the outlook at quarterback, and more.

The Vikings' defensive rebuild begins with edge rusher Marcus Davenport and cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the free agent additions, quarterback Kirk Cousins' future in Minnesota, and how this roster is far from settled for 2023.