Access Vikings

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand open up the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about Sunday's matchup against the Chiefs, whether or not this team is destined for an 8-9 record, and roster decisions.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday's game against the Chiefs, whether or not Taylor Swift will be there, and how the Vikings are adjusting to life with Marcus Davenport and the looming threat of an O-line change.

Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand open the mailbag and answer your questions about the Vikings' high-powered offense stalling in the red zone, the signing of Marcus Davenport, other D-line decisions, and Ben Goessling joins at the end to discuss whether Kyler Murray would be a fit in Minnesota.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview the Vikings' next test in Carolina, where old friend Adam Thielen awaits and the offensive line could look different. What will be Dalton Risner's role? What about Cam Akers' first game? How does this game fit into the season's outlook?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Chip Scoggins return from the Vikings locker room to discuss Sunday's 28-24 loss to the Chargers. How did they drop that game? What's the outlook from 0-3? What flaws are fixable? What should the expectations be for the rest of the season?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand answer your Vikings questions that range from safety Lewis Cine's role to whether the team would consider being sellers if the losing continues into October. They also talk about the run game and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's portfolio.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday's game against the Chargers, discuss the signing of guard Dalton Risner and play a game called Name That Guard! Can you name all 12 guards to start in front of Kirk Cousins since 2018?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan exited the visiting locker room at Lincoln Financial Field and discussed everything from receiver Justin Jefferson's fumble through the end zone (one of four by the team) to injuries and a talent discrepancy with both offensive and defensive lines.

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer open up the mailbag and answer your questions no matter how tongue-in-cheek. What number would Aaron Rodgers wear for the Vikings? Would the Jets come calling for Cousins? What are the reasonable expectations for the O-line this year? What's the plan with Brian Asamoah?

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the level of concern around the Vikings' season-opening loss to the Buccaneers and preview Thursday night's matchup in Philadelphia against the reigning NFC Champions.

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.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the latest in the Vikings' roster churn, Adam Thielen's remarkable 10 seasons, and what more can be expected ahead of free agency next week.

The Vikings released linebacker Eric Kendricks on Monday morning, marking the first of what could be a few moves with high-priced veterans. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss Kendricks' eight Vikings seasons, receiver Adam Thielen's contention, a wait-and-see approach with quarterback Kirk Cousins, and more.

From the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss a Vikings roster that has expensive veterans and needs salary cap space. What did general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell have to say about Kirk Cousins, Adam Thielen, Dalvin Tomlinson and others?

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss takeaways from defensive coordinator Brian Flores' introductory press conference on Wednesday. Then the Star Tribune's Mark Craig joins to talk about Jared Allen missing the final cut for the 2023 Hall of Fame class, and Andy Reid's excellence.

The Star Tribune's Andrew Krammer is joined by Purple Insider's Matthew Coller to discuss NFL awards you won't see given out this week. Which was the best among the bad teams? Or who shined among the senior players and coaches? Best supporting role? And did you know NFL teams are reviewed on Yelp?

The Vikings' winding path on the defensive coordinator search ends with Brian Flores, the 41-year-old former Dolphins head coach and Patriots assistant. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss how the Vikings' nearly three-week hunt landed on Flores, from pursuing new Panthers DC Ejiro Evero to waiting on Flores' options. They also discuss how Flores' approach differs from Ed Donatell, and a certain ex-Vikings coach's future.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand dive into the Vikings' pool of defensive coordinator candidates and what the hire might say about the type of defense Kevin O'Connell wants to run in 2023 and beyond. Plus they open up the mailbag for questions about impending free agents and one big name still under contract: quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Andrew Krammer empties the mailbag and audio recorder in this Access Vikings episode as Vikings players recall some high points of the 2022 season and a couple pending free agents discuss their outlooks this offseason. Krammer also answers questions about veteran defenders and one rookie.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand react to Wednesday's season-ending news conference from General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell. We learned that Ed Donatell (at least for now) hasn't been fired, that the Vikings have started a dialogue with Justin Jefferson's representatives about a contract extension and that Adofo-Mensah expects Kirk Cousins to be the team's QB in 2023. Beyond that, there are a lot of big questions that loom ahead.

After a 31-24 loss to the Giants in the first round of the playoffs, there was plenty to dissect about the Vikings' performance. And a lot of the flaws on display in Sunday's defeat naturally lead into questions about the future -- all of which was tackled on this postgame episode.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand preview Sunday's playoff game between the Vikings and Giants while also answering a lot of your big questions ahead of the game.

First-year head coach Kevin O'Connell kept most players healthy while getting the offense moving forward again during a 29-13 win against the Bears to end the regular season. Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer recap the win from Soldier Field, where a patchwork offensive line got meaningful work together ahead of a playoff rematch against the Giants.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the Vikings' reaction to Buffalo Bills defender Damar Hamlin's heart stopping on the field after what looked like a routine hit. They eventually transition into a tough injury for Brian O'Neill and the Vikings offense, followed by Sunday's game in Chicago and how the NFC playoffs could shake out.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan provide a quick dispatch from Lambeau Field, where the Vikings fell 41-17 in a blowout defeat that keeps the Packers' playoff chances alive. How was Justin Jefferson held to one catch? How confident should the 12-4 Vikings be?

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer preview Sunday's rematch in Green Bay, where the Vikings have a chance to end the Packers' playoff hopes and receiver Justin Jefferson continues his MVP case -- which is probably a long shot, anyway. They also open up the mailbag and answer your questions, ranging from the rookie draft class to the 31st-ranked defense.

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer recap the Vikings' 27-24 win against the Giants, from Greg Joseph's clutch kick to Justin Jefferson's key plays.

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the importance of the Vikings' Christmas Eve game against the Giants (8-5-1) in the NFC playoff standings and which teams they could face in the first round. They also open up the mailbag and answer your questions about the offseason, the defensive adjustments and the NFL acknowledging mistakes in officiating.

Like that game, this podcast is a tale of two halves because of technical issues.

What just happened? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Chip Scoggins recap the Vikings' 39-36 win over the Colts from U.S. Bank Stadium, where the purple faithful who stayed to watch after a 33-0 halftime deficit have quite the story to tell.

What's wrong with the Vikings' last-placed defense? What can be done to patch the holes in December? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the issues, edge rusher Danielle Hunter's season, Sunday's game against the Colts and answer your questions.