Access Vikings

Quarterback Nick Mullens might not play in the Vikings' preseason finale on Saturday in Denver, but it also might not matter as he could be quarterback Kirk Cousins' backup for the 2022 season following the trade for him. What does that mean for Kellen Mond and Sean Mannion? What do we expect the 53-man roster to look like once it's picked next week? Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss on the...

The 49ers came to town this week and brought the noise. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the physicality brought to the Vikings' doorstep, what we saw and heard from quarterback Kirk Cousins and what to expect in Saturday's preseason game. They also discuss the ongoing topic at right guard, where rookie Ed Ingram has seen a lot of first-team work.

What should we make of quarterback Kirk Cousins' uneven training camp? Who can we expect to see play during the Vikings' preseason opener on Sunday against the Raiders? Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss that and more, including receiver Justin Jefferson with some help from ESPN analyst and former NFL safety Matt Bowen.

Irv Smith Jr. underwent thumb surgery after a routine block in the Vikings' first padded practice. Kellen Mond and Sean Mannion are rotating reps with the second-team offense. Greg Joseph is drawing some lofty comparisons after a strong start to camp. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the latest from Vikings training camp on this episode. They also open the mailbag and answer...

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah says the obvious, while quarterback Kirk Cousins and head coach Kevin O'Connell get to work on establishing the new offense. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss Cousins-O'Connell and other training camp storylines, including tight end Irv Smith Jr.'s recovery, receiver Justin Jefferson's outlook, the new defense and more.

The Vikings finished the offseason program this week with a three-day mandatory minicamp, with the final practice scrapped in favor of another chemistry-building event. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the new regime taking a less (physicality) is more approach to spring practices, what we learned from assistant coaches, the recent Cooper Kupp extension through Justin Jeffers...

What does one play by receiver Adam Thielen during Vikings OTAs say about rookie head coach Kevin O'Connell's approach on offense? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss that, as well as the outlook at receiver with Albert Wilson's addition, a recent softball game between Vikings players and much more.

The roster is at capacity and the schedule is set. So what should expectations be for the 2022 Vikings? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand share their thoughts and discuss what we heard from coordinators this week as the team continues spring practices. They also open the Twitter mailbag to answer your questions ranging from free agents to NFL stadium experiences.

Rookie head coach Kevin O'Connell says he doesn't want to be known as just an offensive-minded head coach. While the retooled Vikings defense won't necessarily be his main focus, it is critical to their success in 2022. Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss the defensive changes, O'Connell's approach, the 2021 and 2022 draft classes and more in this episode of the Access Vikings podcast.

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's first Vikings draft was eventful with 10 picks, six trades and two links to receivers now in Detroit and Green Bay. Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss the focus on defensive backs with safety Lewis Cine and corners Andrew Booth Jr. and Akayleb Evans, as well as passing receivers Jameson Williams and Christian Watson to the Lions and Packers.

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah says he has a unique leadership style. How will that form the Vikings' approach to drafting? What positions will the team value under his leadership? Will they even stay at pick No. 12? If so, who's in play? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss on the latest Access Vikings podcast.

Ben Goessling and Michael Rand take a two weeks out look at the NFL draft and try to project what the Vikings will do with the No. 12 pick. Almost everyone is projecting them to take a corner -- which is a smart and logical move -- but other options are in play. Plus they will get into Kirk Cousins' comments earlier in the week about retiring as a member of the Minnesota Vikings and answer a bunch...

Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah made one splash, signing ex-Packers pass rusher Za'Darius Smith, which is the biggest sign for how the team's new leadership views roster building. Because there haven't been many other moves so far. Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss this "competitive rebuild" and how the Vikings might be able to, as Adofo-Mensah says, "win in the margins."

The Vikings' new brain trust said a lot in Indianapolis, but what can be gleaned about top storylines from quarterback Kirk Cousins to defensive end Danielle Hunter? Andrew Krammer sits down with Purple Insider's Matthew Coller in a corner of the Indiana Convention Center to discuss.

What were first impressions of the new guy? What could you really glean from answers about the future of quarterback Kirk Cousins? What kind of change will come with O'Connell, and which players will that affect? What about a 3-4 defensive front under new coordinator Ed Donatell? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss on this episode of the Access Vikings podcast.

The Vikings' coaching search ended this week after a winding path. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss how the team landed on Kevin O'Connell over Jim Harbaugh, and what that means moving forward. They also open up the mailbag and answer some of your questions.

The Vikings have a new general manager from a unique background. What did Kwesi Adofo-Mensah have to say about coming from data analysis instead of scouting? What does that mean for changes to come? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the leader at TCO Performance Center in Eagan and answer some of your questions.

Vikings co-owner Mark Wilf said he wouldn't box himself into a candidate for GM or head coach, and the team has since made one of the NFL's most unconventional front office hires in former Browns VP of Football Operations Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer discuss Adofo-Mensah's path to Minnesota and what that means for the head coach search.

The Vikings' internal search team, which includes the Wilf ownership group and remaining football operations staff, has eight known candidates for both general manager and head coaching jobs. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the lists, more details from the previous leadership, the NFL playoffs and answer your questions on the latest Access Vikings podcast.

Linebacker Eric Kendricks and right tackle Brian O'Neill said a lot when talking about what the Vikings need in a leadership change, revealing more about the iron fist with which Mike Zimmer used as his leading approach. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the Vikings' culture under Zimmer and Rick Spielman, as well as what's ahead in the searches for general manager and head co...

An apathetic crowd at U.S. Bank Stadium met the Vikings' season finale with the same level of hype derived from Sunday's 31-17 win over the Bears. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan discuss Zimmer not caring about Justin Jefferson's shot at history, what comes next for the franchise, as well as what might've been Anthony Barr's last Vikings game.

Are there two coaches approaching the end of their times in Minnesota and Chicago on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium? Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Michael Rand discuss the second consecutive losing season under coach Mike Zimmer, which can bring about change in the NFL.

The Vikings didn't run the ball enough and don't have a rookie quarterback worth evaluating in this regular season, at least according to Mike Zimmer after Sunday night's loss in Green Bay. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Chip Scoggins react to Zimmer's postgame comments, quarterback Sean Mannion's start and the direction of the franchise from Lambeau Field.

Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer embrace their inner sports talk radio by discussing the NFC playoff field, the Vikings' chances on Sunday, and safety Harrison Smith's current outlook at the Hall of Fame ahead of Sunday night's game at Lambeau Field.

Receiver Justin Jefferson said he could tell the team didn't have energy as soon as he entered the Vikings locker room before Sunday's 30-23 loss to the Rams. Linebacker Anthony Barr said the crowd wasn't in it. Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan recap an offense that couldn't get out of the starting blocks from U.S. Bank Stadium.