Access Vikings

Vikings training camp begins next week with no shortage in intrigue as Mike Zimmer oversees a retooled defense in his eighth season. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand also answer your Twitter questions about the NFC powers, Aaron Rodgers, and more.

How did the Vikings resolve Danielle Hunter’s situation with a relatively modest contract restructure? Was it really his demand to be the “highest-paid defender” as previously reported by NFL Media? What are the prospects of the 2021 defense with Sheldon Richardson coming off the bench? What about beyond 2021? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Michael Rand discuss in the latest Access Vikings podcast.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins didn't convey much insecurity in his first public comments since the Vikings drafted Kellen Mond. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the new quarterback dynamic, a defense under construction, and open up the mailbag to answer your questions about more potential free-agent moves, Aaron Rodgers, and more.

What have we learned about Vikings rookies from spring practices? What are some underrated and overrated storylines? And can you tell the difference between a Stefon Diggs tweet and a Confucius proverb? Andrew Krammer is joined by Purple Insider’s Matthew Coller to discuss. Plus, rookie punter Zach Von Rosenberg — a former MLB pitcher and college football’s oldest player in 2020 — joins Krammer to talk about his path to Minnesota.

What to make of Danielle Hunter's absence from OTAs? And what can we draw from what we did see at the first full practice open to reporters? Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss that and more. Krammer also catches up with ex-Vikings lineman Jeremiah Sirles on a range of topics, including the current team.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the Vikings' start to offseason workouts amid the NFL Players Association's fight over rules in the pandemic. They also evaluate the current roster, discuss the Mike Hughes trade, and take your questions.

Can you find a loss on the Vikings' 2021 schedule? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Michael Rand have some opinions. They discuss this year's first 17-game slate from front to back. Plus, as NFL rookie minicamps get underway, Krammer chats with former St. John's QB Jackson Erdmann about a crazy year chasing his football dreams during a pandemic.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss how interested the Vikings were in Bears quarterback Justin Fields, the outlook at corner where Mike Hughes’ fifth-year option was declined, and they open a post-draft Vikings mailbag to talk O-line and the roster’s strengths and weaknesses.

I'll take quarterback upheaval for $1,000? The NFL Draft provided plenty of quarterback drama for the NFC North, where the Vikings stayed grounded with two picks on the offensive line while also making a statement with third-round passer Kellen Mond. The Star Tribune's Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer recap a busy weekend.

Star Tribune columnists Patrick Reusse and Chip Scoggins join Ben Goessling for this podcast to share some favorite stories from their years covering the Vikings, from the earliest days of the franchise through Bud Grant's time in charge, how Denny Green reacted to the team passing on Warren Sapp, Brad Childress' pre-draft trip to see Percy Harvin in Florida and more.

The 2021 NFL Draft is unlike any other after only some college football was played, and only some offseason events were held. How did teams adjust? What info may they be missing? What changes could be here to stay? Andrew Krammer is joined by The Scouting Academy's Dan Hatman and NFL Next Gen Stats analyst Mike Band to discuss.

Minnesota's ties to the NFL Draft are stronger than normal. Will Rashod Bateman become the first Gophers' first-round pick since 2005? Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss his chances. Krammer is also joined by NDSU left tackle Dillon Radunz, a likely Day 2 pick, and Star Tribune writer Mark Craig, who talks about NDSU quarterback Trey Lance's path from Marshall, Minn.

Does the Vikings' first pick have to address the offensive line? Or will an enticing defensive end help double down on defense? What about trading back? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss that and more Vikings storylines ahead of this week's NFL Draft.

The Vikings secondary is in flux after a couple free-agent additions and the arrest of cornerback Jeff Gladney. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the defense, recent talks with Mike Zimmer and Michael Pierce, and the NFL-NFLPA's fight over offseason workouts.

The Vikings found money to improve Mike Zimmer's defense, but their major moves in free agency so far put further pressure on the rest of the team. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss free agency and answer your questions about the offensive line, secondary and the NFL Draft.

The Vikings are shedding salaries ahead of a unique NFL free agency market, which will feature some recognizable names as teams try to get under a cap that's nearly $16 million lower than last year. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the cuts, what's ahead, as well as Danielle Hunter's situation.

The Vikings need to create financial room on the 2021 books to do much of anything. So, where's it coming from? Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the possibilities for a front office that may need to release a key contributor or two while also reworking other contracts on the current roster. 

Jared Goff in, Matthew Stafford out. Are any other quarterback changes coming in the NFC North? What's going on with the Vikings coaching staff? Who ya got -- Bucs or Chiefs? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss in the latest Access Vikings podcast.

The NFL's final four teams are dominated by elite-level QB play. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss that through a Vikings lens, and untangle the web of connections remaining playoff teams have to Minnesota. They also open up the mailbag.

The Vikings need at least one new coordinator and likely two with offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak expected to retire. But Mike Zimmer doesn't want much to change about the offense. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the 2021 offseason priorities and take your questions on the latest Access Vikings podcast.

Justin Jefferson put a stamp on his all-time rookie NFL season in Detroit, where the Vikings held on for a 37-35 win that says far less about where this team is headed. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan discuss Jefferson, coach Mike Zimmer's postgame claim and more in the latest Access Vikings podcast.

What can the Vikings gain from Sunday's season finale at Detroit? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss a team headed for the exits, the future of veterans like tight end Kyle Rudolph and left tackle Riley Reiff, and more in the latest Access Vikings podcast.

The Vikings defense had never given up 583 yards before Friday, and it was 1963 when an opponent last scored as much as the Saints' 52 points. Does the embarrassment reflect more than just an injury-riddled roster? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan discuss in the latest Access Vikings podcast.

The Vikings return to New Orleans less than a year after their overtime NFC wild-card playoff win in January. But this trip doesn't have the same buzz about it, for many reasons. Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss Friday's game, receiver Justin Jefferson and more in the latest Access Vikings podcast.

The Vikings defense is decimated by injuries, and it looked the part during Sunday's 33-27 loss to the Bears. The latest December home loss to Chicago nearly shuts the door on the Vikings' playoff hopes. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan discuss in the latest Access Vikings podcast.

Kirk Cousins says sacks can be a quarterback stat, too, while he's been sacked a season high in back-to-back games. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss what Cousins can control, what he can't and preview Vikings-Bears on Sunday with NFC playoff implications.

Kicker Dan Bailey's 0-for-4 day headlines the Vikings' 26-14 loss in Tampa Bay on Sunday, when a strong start on offense was wasted by the missed kicks, penalties and another busted coverage. Does this clarify the Vikings' standing in the NFC playoff race? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan discuss in the latest Access Vikings podcast.

The NFC playoff field is muddled, so why can't the Vikings (6-6) emerge? The reasons could show Sunday against fellow playoff contender in Tampa Bay, where the Buccaneers (7-5) have slipped but have a ton of star power. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday's game on the latest Access Vikings podcast.

The Vikings' many mistakes in Sunday's 27-24 overtime win against the Jaguars weren't too much to overcome. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Chip Scoggins discuss the problems that persist for a 6-6 team still in the playoff chase.

Mike Zimmer insists the Vikings want to "be smart" with running back Dalvin Cook, who leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage and is second in touches. So, why not start watching his workload Sunday against the Jaguars' 31st-ranked defense? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss that and more on the latest Access Vikings podcast.

While his former Vikings coaches spoke of Teddy Bridgewater as a clutch performer they didn't want to put in a must-win situation, it was Kirk Cousins who led the game-winning drive during Sunday's 28-27 win vs. Carolina. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan discuss postgame from U.S. Bank Stadium.

Will the Vikings secondary rebound Sunday against another strong receiver group in the Carolina Panthers? Will their quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, spark some what-if's among Vikings fans? Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss on the latest Access Vikings podcast.

Unreliability across the board came back to doom the Vikings during Sunday's 31-28 loss to the Cowboys at U.S. Bank Stadium. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan recap the loss, including defensive woes and special teams problems that were too much to overcome.

The Vikings, winners of three straight NFC North games, take the winning streak into an easier portion of the schedule against three teams, the Cowboys, Panthers and Jaguars, who could all be without their starting quarterbacks. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss Sunday's game against the Cowboys and Week 11 in the NFC playoff picture.

The Vikings' third straight NFC North win came in a much different fashion, which Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Chip Scoggins discuss in the latest Access Vikings podcast. Also, what have we learned about a young defense? And at what point will the special teams issues cost them?

Monday night's game in Chicago suddenly has playoff implications after the Vikings' back-to-back NFC North wins. The Bears are reeling with three straight losses, but another top-10 defense presents matchup problems for the Vikings offense. Can Dalvin Cook keep them on track? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Monday night's game and take your questions in the latest Access Vikings podcast.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Chip Scoggins recap the Vikings' 34-20 win over the Lions, including Dalvin Cook's dominance that's similar -- yet very different -- from Adrian Peterson. They also ask: how sustainable is this offensive success heading into Chicago on Monday night?

The Vikings were not buyers or sellers at the NFL trade deadline this week, but we discuss how it wasn't for a lack of trying. Also, there are more storylines for Vikings-Lions than a typical Detroit week.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Chip Scoggins break down the Vikings’ 28-22 win in Green Bay, where running back Dalvin Cook had one of the best individual performances of the historic rivalry. Also, what does the defensive showing say about Mike Zimmer’s young group? 

The Vikings' disappointing 2020 season started with a 43-34 loss to Green Bay. Two franchises going in opposite directions meet again Sunday, just two days before the NFL trade deadline. Would another lopsided loss mean more trades for the Vikings? When do we get serious about midseason firings? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the major bye week news from the Vikings, who traded Yannick Ngakoue and learned fellow DE Danielle Hunter is out for the season after opting for neck surgery. Will more moves follow for the 1-5 Vikings? Where does this leave them going forward? What does it mean for Rick Spielman and Mike Zimmer?

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer recap the Vikings' 40-23 loss to the Falcons from U.S. Bank Stadium, where there are a lot of questions about where a 1-5 team goes from here heading into a bye week.