Access Vikings

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss what they're seeing and hearing from Vikings practice at TCO Performance Center in Eagan, including Justin Jefferson's absence, guard Dalton Risner's return and role, the plan at quarterback, and more in this episode of the Access Vikings podcast.

Andrew Krammer goes solo for some observations from the Vikings' first Organized Team Activity session open to local reporters. What was the pecking order at quarterback? How long will it stay that way? What about the remade defense? Krammer also opens the mailbag and answers questions about a couple 2022 draftees, the schedule, 'X factors,' and more.

Star Tribune Vikings writer Ben Goessling is joined by Michael Rand for an analysis of the Vikings' schedule, which was released Wednesday.

Goessling and Rand try to find a good time for rookie QB J.J. McCarthy to make his debut given the various challenges of Minnesota's schedule, speculate on how likely it is that McCarthy will face Kirk Cousins when the Vikings and Falcons play in December and try to tally up a final record for 2024 based on a game-by-game analysis.

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about how the 2024 NFL Draft unfolded at quarterback, the team's 2025 resources in projected draft picks and cap space, receivers, O-linemen and more. Then Krammer shares a 12-minute clip of a chat with former Vikings receiver Adam Thielen, who discussed his new perspective, his Vikings exit, giving back to Minnesota and more.

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer recap the Vikings' 2024 draft, which included some insight into how Kevin O'Connell plans to bring along new franchise quarterback J.J. McCarthy. They also discuss one position that was not addressed, the new kicker, defensive reinforcements, and some great personal stories from incoming rookies.

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer recap the NFL Draft's first round, in which the Vikings had to wait and watch four quarterbacks get drafted before they traded up for Michigan's J.J. McCarthy. The NFL's arms race on offense seemed to impact their ability to move up farther. How did the night unfold at TCO Performance Center? What about the other trade up for Alabama's Dallas Turner, who was frequently projected as a top-10 pick? What draft picks do they have remaining?

The Star Tribune's Andrew Krammer and Purple Insider's Matthew Coller discuss coordinator Brian Flores' offseason, starting with a quiet head coaching cycle and continuing with personnel changes in Minnesota. How do the Vikings want to play defense in 2024? Do they have the players or will they need more help in the draft? Kevin O'Connell addressed reporters Monday about the upcoming NFL Draft; why is the playbook fit going to be critical with the next quarterback?

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer recap general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's pre-draft press conference dominated by the upcoming decision at quarterback. This QB class has been on the team's radar for a couple years. There are "multiple guys we're in love with," Adofo-Mensah said. Which player do they really want? What are the possibilities if they can't trade up high enough? What about this supporting cast for a rookie? What went into the Texans trade for another first-round pick?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the Vikings' crossroads at quarterback, where they've signaled through trades and free-agent acquisitions that they're all in on finding the next franchise passer in April's first round. What does the acquisition of another first-round pick mean? What about Sam Darnold? And why did the Kirk Cousins breakup happen now instead of two years ago?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the suspenseful closing minutes (or not?) between the Vikings and quarterback Kirk Cousins, who was given a hefty bag containing four years and $180 million ($100 million guaranteed) by the Falcons. What's Cousins' legacy in Minnesota after six seasons? What's next for the Vikings at quarterback? And they recap a busy day on defense, where three new starters arrived via free agency.