Access Vikings

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about linebacker Blake Cashman's absence, the pass rush matchup versus the Falcons' Michael Penix Jr. on Sunday night, receiver Adam Thielen's role, and more ahead of Vikings-Falcons.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview Sunday night's Vikings-Falcons matchup that will bring intrigue on both sides of the ball. They discuss the issues and ailments to key defenders like Blake Cashman, Andrew Van Ginkel and Harrison Smith, the 2024 draft class with J.J. McCarthy and Michael Penix Jr., Kirk Cousins returning, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' 27-24 win after returning from Chicago, where quarterback J.J. McCarthy had a historic fourth quarter in his NFL debut. What did teammates and coaches say about McCarthy afterward? What went wrong in the first three quarters? When is Christian Darrisaw coming back? They also discuss the running back split, Javon Hargrave's presence, and a dynamic new punt returner in Myles Price.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings-related questions about receiver Adam Thielen, the cornerback depth chart, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, and the latest on ailments for safety Harrison Smith and tackle Christian Darrisaw.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview Monday night's season opener in Chicago, where Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will return to face his hometown team in his first NFL start. How will he manage the emotions? How will the Vikings manage him? And what should be expected in the matchup of makeovers between the Vikings defense and the Bears offense under new coach Ben Johnson?

From the Star Tribune booth at the Minnesota State Fair, Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss Adam Thielen returning to the Vikings, the initial 53-man roster, remaining work to do, and how the young J.J. McCarthy is set up to fare in the NFC North.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker break down the Vikings' recent flurry of moves that included trading quarterback Sam Howell to the Eagles and signing free agent veteran Carson Wentz as their new backup. They discuss the Vikings' many ties to Wentz, including QBs coach Josh McCown and center Ryan Kelly, that may help explain the move. They also get into a potential trade for receiver Adam Thielen and the recent trade that sent Harrison Phillips to the Jets.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the state of the Vikings receiving corps about two weeks away from Week 1. Do they need to add a veteran starter? Who's available? And what other injury concerns are still lingering with training camp mostly over? They also open the mailbag and answer your questions about camp surprises, Aaron Jones' versatility, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they saw and heard during and after Saturday's 20-12 preseason loss to the New England Patriots. What do they make of the Vikings resting 31 players, including all 22 starters? What about Sam Howell's lackluster performance and more uncertainty at backup QB? Receiver depth is also a question, as are the returner spots, entering the preseason's final week.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the second day of Vikings-Patriots joint practices at TCO Performance Center in Eagan, which saw J.J. McCarthy give one of his best performances of camp. They also discuss the return of WR Stefon Diggs, the former Vikings draft pick, Saturday's game plan and some injury updates.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap the important parts of the Vikings' preseason opener against the Houston Texans. How did J.J. McCarthy look? Why did some starters play and others didn't? How bad is Rondale Moore's knee injury? And who stood out with the second and third units?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker first discuss receiver Jordan Addison's 3-game suspension and where the Vikings go from here. Is Adam Thielen an option? They also open the mailbag and answer your questions about J.J. McCarthy vs. Sam Darnold, preseason action, etc. Then Ben and Andrew are joined by ex-Vikings safety Anthony Harris to discuss his career, this year's team, Mike Zimmer vs. Brian Flores, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the latest from Vikings training camp. QB J.J. McCarthy returns to the field in Saturday's preseason opener vs. the Texans. How much will he play? Who will play alongside him? What, exactly, caused a recent pause at practice when Kevin O'Connell had to intervene? And which players made Ben's initial 53-man roster projection?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about judging training camp performances, quarterback J.J. McCarthy's development, offensive line health, defensive dominance, cornerback depth, and more.

Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker are joined by Star Tribune NFL writer and Pro Football Hall of Fame voter Mark Craig, who is in Canton, Ohio for former Vikings great Jared Allen's induction. How does Allen feel now about his wait to get into the Hall? Who's the next Viking to get in?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they've seen and heard through the first week of Vikings training camp. It all begins with young QB J.J. McCarthy against a veteran-laden defense that got after him during Monday's first day of padded practices. How does the team structure practices to get the most out of him? What about the healing offensive line? When will Christian Darrisaw return? (soon) Plus, who has surprised us so far?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they heard from Tuesday's news conference with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell on the day that veterans reported for training camp. When will we see the new O-line together? What about J.J. McCarthy's outlook? Will Josh Metellus practice if he's not newly paid? What positions are we most intrigued about?

Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker attempt to identify the core of players the Vikings have established around young quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Who makes their lists of the top 15 players under contract for at least the next two seasons?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the offseason mailbag that's overflowing with your questions. They start with the outlook at safety, where they're replacing Cam Bynum, as well as whether rookie Tai Felton can earn playing time. What about the home run power at running back? How much less will Aaron Jones play? And how are the Vikings judging J.J. McCarthy's progress?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they saw and heard at the Vikings' three-day mandatory minicamp that ended the offseason program. Kevin O'Connell gave everyone an extra week off, J.J. McCarthy is learning atop a fluid QB depth chart, Christian Darrisaw makes an early return, their three-receiver set is meshing but they want to bully defenses; that's why tight end Josh Oliver got paid again this week.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker are joined by Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. They discuss his new contract extension, lessons on the job, 2025 expectations, quarterback J.J. McCarthy and his unique situation, NFL players in the 2028 Olympics, and more.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they saw and heard from receiver Justin Jefferson, defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, new cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and more following Monday's OTA session in Eagan.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker return from the first spring practice open to reporters and discuss QB J.J. McCarthy's development, where the new guys are fitting in, and what position battles should be getting the most attention this summer.

Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the latest from NFL league meetings in Eagan, Minn., where the "Tush Push" was defended, Justin Jefferson was allowed to play flag football (will he?), and a halftime show was teased for a Christmas game (the Vikings play on Christmas).

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the twists and turns of the Vikings' 2025 schedule that includes a frequent spotlight on quarterback J.J. McCarthy's team through seven nationally-televised games. What are the schedule quirks to know? They also open a listener mailbag and answer your questions about always playing in Seattle, biggest games, and more.

Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they saw and heard from the first day of a three-day Vikings rookie minicamp this weekend. That begs the question: which rookies from a small five-man class have the clearest paths to contribute right away?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they heard from Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy during his first local media appearance since last season. What did he have to say about taking over a 14-win team? What did his teammates say? They also delve into Andrew Van Ginkel's new contract, Josh Metellus' case for a new deal, and more.

Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker break down the Vikings' 2025 draft class from first-round guard Donovan Jackson through sixth-round tight end Gavin Bartholomew. Oh, and they do not forget new Vikings QB Sam Howell, who arrives as the most experienced option on the roster. But this offseason has been all about QB J.J. McCarthy anyway.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker come to you from Vikings headquarters in Eagan, where they drafted the franchise's first opening-round guard since 1988. Just don't ask Emily who that Hall of Famer was nearly 40 years ago.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, Michael Rand and Emily Leiker put on their general manager caps and each take over a team in the NFC North for a division-wide mock draft. What can only be described as perfection ensues. Make sure you check out the Star Tribune's YouTube channel for the video.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker react to Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's annual pre-draft press conference, in which he discussed his draft philosophies, impact vs. need, and their current four-pick allotment that would be the smallest class in franchise history. They also wrap up their position previews with groups that might be surprise areas to add.

On this episode of the Access Vikings podcast, Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the many intriguing options available in the trenches during this year's NFL Draft. What are some of the best fits in the first round on each side? What about in later rounds? And what does the current depth chart tell us about what direction they'll go?

Emily Leiker and Ben Goessling discuss a handful of defensive back prospects in this year's NFL Draft who'd be good fits for the Vikings, including potential first rounders and those who might still be on the board further in the draft. Plus, they briefly go down tangents on the Vikings' comp pick outlook for 2026 and who could replace Cam Bynum's role as Josh Metellus' co-dance captain next year Prospects discussed: Texas' Jahdae Barron, Georgia's Malaki Starks, Notre Dame's Xavier Watts, East Carolina's Shavon Revel Jr., Virginia's Jonas Sanker and more.

In his first public comments to local reporters about the Vikings' QB situation, O'Connell on Monday addressed the team's interest in Rodgers and his communication with McCarthy about it. Star Tribune Vikings writers Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker break it all down.

The Star Tribune's Andrew Krammer is joined by Indianapolis Star reporter Joel Erickson to discuss the Vikings and Colts swapping players this offseason. Why was new Vikings center Ryan Kelly available after nine years with the Colts? How did new Vikings guard Will Fries go from seventh-round pick to $17 million per year starter? And how do Cam Bynum and Daniel Jones fit into a new team?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they heard from Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah during his post-free agency news conference with local reporters. What did he have to say about J.J. McCarthy? Aaron Rodgers? His own contract situation? They also discuss the annual NFL rule proposals and take listener questions.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' non-pursuit of Aaron Rodgers, their backup quarterback situation, new coaches, and new players getting introduced to local reporters. They also open the mailbag to answer some of your questions.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings trading away guard Ed Ingram, trying to trade center Garrett Bradbury, and the state of their current search for a veteran quarterback to pair with J.J. McCarthy.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the flurry of Vikings moves from Monday night into Tuesday morning, including the re-signing of cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. and the addition of new linemen in guard Will Fries and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (and potentially Javon Hargrave). Daniel Jones left for the Colts. What does that mean for the Vikings' plans at quarterback?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the first day of NFL free agency from a Vikings perspective. What do they make of Sam Darnold's fit and contract with the Seahawks? What does that mean at QB in Minnesota? There appears to be a new starting center despite Garrett Bradbury remaining on the roster. And what about safety Camryn Bynum leaving for the Colts?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' decision not to franchise tag Sam Darnold, who is cleared to become a free agent on March 12. That is unless he agrees to a new deal with the Vikings beforehand. What are the Vikings' options otherwise? What does that mean for J.J. McCarthy? And what will the team prioritize in free agency this month?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker come to you from a random corner of the Indiana Convention Center where they and hundreds of other media members fight to stake out corners of the building to record content for the modern age. What's going to happen with Sam Darnold? What about Byron Murphy Jr.? What are the positions of need from this NFL Draft class? Why is their new assistant O-line coach an intriguing hire?

Andrew Krammer is joined by Purple Insider's Matthew Coller to discuss the two-week franchise tag window and whether the Vikings will use it on quarterback Sam Darnold or cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (Editor's note: After recording, news broke that the Vikings agreed to push back Murphy's void date, making him ineligible for the franchise tag). Plus, the Vikings made an agreement with running back Aaron Jones. It's not a new contract, but it could precede one.

Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker have you covered on the latest edition of the podcast.

Star Tribune writer and Pro Football Hall of Fame selector Mark Craig joins Andrew Krammer from New Orleans, where the Vikings had a busy night at the annual NFL Honors ceremony prior to the Super Bowl. Craig discusses his voting for all NFL awards, including O'Connell's winning case and an interesting Defensive Player of the Year ballot, as well as O'Connell's comments about Sam Darnold and former Vikings pass rusher Jared Allen making it through a changing Hall of Fame process.