Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Vikings’ general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said that Jefferson won’t be traded.

“That is not something that has once crossed my mind,” Adofo-Mensah said while appearing at the NFL Scouting Combine. “You’ve got a blue player and a blue person. You try to keep as many of those as you can.”

Jefferson became extension-eligible last offseason, but the two sides couldn’t get on the same page. The negotiations were called off once the 2023 season started, but Jefferson and the Vikings have reportedly started talking again in recent weeks.

Adofo-Mensah confirmed that the Vikings are willing to break the bank for Jefferson, believing they have the best wide receiver in the game. 

“We think he’s the best wide receiver in the league, and he should be compensated as such,” he added. “We think he’s one of the best non-quarterbacks in the league, and we think he should be compensated as such.”

Justin Jefferson, Vikings’ first-round pick in 2022, earned Pro Bowl nods in each of his first three years in the NFL. He dealt with injuries last season, which limited him to 10 games, but still managed to get 68 receptions for 1,074 yards and five touchdowns. Jefferson is averaging 98.3 yards per game as a pro, which currently stands as the NFL record.

The post Vikings GM Says Star WR Justin Jefferson Won’t Be Traded appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Hockenson’s injury came during the Vikings’ 30-24 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday. During the Vikings’ second offensive play of the third quarter, Hockenson was knocked in the knee by Lions safety Kerby Joseph while leaping to grab a pass. He immediately made his way to the sideline, where he remained for the rest of the game.

“It was a very, very unfortunate play,” O’Connell remarked following the game. “We’ve done a nice job [in the NFL] of helping take out some of those head and neck area hits to the defenseless players, [but] some of those low hits can be incredibly catastrophic for guys. It was awful to see that happen.” This injury has rained on Hockenson’s parade in what has been an emphatic first full season with the Vikings. He ranks second in the NFL in catches by tight ends (95) and third overall in receiving yards (960).

The post Vikings Tight End Hockenson Out for Season appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Metellus’ extension is worth $13 million and comes with $6 million in guaranteed money. The Michigan product had one year left on his rookie deal.

Metellus was drafted in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Vikings. He played mostly on special teams in his first two years as a pro but received an expanded role as a safety towards the end of 2022. This helped the 25-year-old to get 42 tackles, five passes defended, and his first career interception.

Judging by the Vikings’ training camp, Metellus might be poised for an even bigger role on defense this upcoming season. The team’s new defensive coordinator Brian Flores has been running a lot of three-safety packages during practices and preseason, making Metellus a logical pick to line up alongside starters Harrison Smith and Camryn Bynum.

Metellus isn’t the only player Minnesota signed to a new deal in recent days. The team previously gave a new deal to tight end T.J. Hockenson, making him the highest-paid player in his position. The Vikings are also hoping to wrap up an extension for star wideout Justin Jefferson soon.

The post Vikings Sign Safety Josh Metellus to a 2-Year, $13 Million Extension appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Reportedly, the Vikings had discussions with several teams, but none of them was willing to give up significant compensation to take on Cook’s big contract.

“I hold Dalvin in the highest regard and am grateful for his contributions on and off the field,” said coach Kevin O’Connell in a statement after the news became official.

It wasn’t a secret that Vikings wanted to move on from Cook despite him being one of their main offensive weapons in recent years. The 27-year-old player was set to count $14.1 million against the cap and would earn $11 million in base salary had he remained on the team.

By releasing Cook, the Vikings only have to pay him $2 million while clearing $9 million in cap space.

The Vikings will now likely install Alexander Mattison as their primary back. Serving as Cook’s backup in the past four years, Mattison totaled 1,670 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Cook, on the other hand, will have his pick of teams in free agency. He is expected to be pursued by multiple playoff contenders, although the Miami Dolphins seem to be favorites.

The post Vikings Release Pro Bowl RB Dalvin Cook appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Cousins made this clear while speaking with the reporters on Wednesday.

“I want to be in Minnesota,” Cousins said. “That’s kind of a no-brainer. Hopefully, we can earn the right to do that.”

Cousins currently has one year left on his contract with the Vikings and will earn $35 million in 2023 before becoming a free agent. The two sides held discussions about an extension earlier in the offseason but couldn’t come to an agreement. But it appears that the veteran has no hard feelings about the situation he is in.

“Most of our locker room has no idea what is coming in three or four months, let alone three or four years or next year,” Cousins added. “I feel like I’m one of the guys, if you will. We’re all in this together.”

Kirk Cousins earned his fourth Pro Bowl nod in 2022, throwing for 4,547 yards and 24 touchdowns while leading the Vikings to a 13-4 record and the NFC North title. But it appears that this still hasn’t convinced Minnesota that he is the right quarterback to lead them to a Super Bowl. The franchise has been reportedly exploring other options for a while, and it might be just a matter of time before they decide to move on. Perhaps the end of the 2023 season will be that moment.  

The post QB Kirk Cousins on His Future: “I Want to Be in Minnesota” appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

The Vikings gave Thielen a proper farewell, commemorating his time with the franchise through several social media posts and statements from the team’s brass.

“He was a Minnesota Viking long before we signed him, and he will always be considered a part of this team,” owners Zygi and Mark Wilf said in a team-released statement.

Thielen also released a statement via his social media, saying playing for the Vikings was “beyond what I could have dreamed of.”

“I poured everything I had into these last 10+ years in presenting and playing for this team and state. My family and I will always cherish the memories we created on and off the field. Minnesota is — and will always be — home to us,” wrote Thielen.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Adam Thielen (@athielen19)

Thielen was born in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, and played college football at Minnesota State. After not being selected in the 2013 NFL Draft, he attended a rookie tryout with the Vikings and managed to land a contract with the franchise.

Thielen didn’t seem to have much action at the start of his pro career, being used on both the offense and special teams. This all changed after his breakthrough campaign in 2016, in which he had 69 catches for 967 yards and five touchdowns. Thielen followed this up with two Pro Bowl seasons, establishing himself as the team’s No. 1 wideout.

However, Thielen’s role diminished in recent years, mostly due to the emergence of Justin Jefferson and other younger offensive talent. This, coupled with his significant cap hit, resulted in the Vikings deciding it was time for the two sides to go their separate ways.

 Thielen is now expected to be one of the most sought-after wideouts in free agency. He will likely opt for a team that will give him a more prominent role alongside a chance to compete for a Super Bowl.

The post Vikings Release Veteran Pro Bowl WR Adam Thielen appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

“We will immediately begin our search to fill this critical role as we continue to build a championship standard for the Minnesota Vikings,” first-year coach Kevin O’Connell announced after the team confirmed Donatell’s dismissal.

Despite having won the second-most regular season games in franchise history, the Vikings’ defense proved notably vulnerable this season, ending the season ranked 28th in points allowed and 31st in yards allowed. The Giants scored 31 points and gained 431 yards against the Vikings on Sunday.

Skepticism surrounding Donatell’s abilities and doubt over his future was cast in Week 14 when O’Connell admitted that he was considering several options to improve the Vikings’ defense. When asked at the time if staff changes were an option, O’Connell confirmed that it was not on the table at that time.

The post Vikings Fire Donatell Following Shock Playoff Exit appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Down 33-0, the Vikings were booed off the field at half-time. During the subsequent team talk, Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson challenged his teammates to score five touchdowns, with head coach Kevin O’Connell stating that he would never forget it as long as he lived if this feat was achieved by his team.

“Nobody is happier to be NFC North champions. The way we earned it, I think will stick with a lot of us for a long time, but there’s still a lot to go back and make sure we rectify,” O’Connell commented following his team’s monumental comeback win.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins enjoyed a standout second-half performance, throwing for 417 of his 460 yards – more than any NFL quarterback in the past 45 years.

The Vikings will next face the New York Giants on Saturday afternoon.

The post Vikings Win NFC North After 33-Point Comeback appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Cook confirmed his determination while chatting with reporters ahead of the divisional clash against the Detroit Lions.

“I don’t feel like I’m getting worse. I don’t feel like I’m headed in the wrong direction,” Cook said. “I feel like I’m headed in the right direction to get myself back to where I need to be at. You have those days, but we just played a game. Just trying to work myself back to being 100% so I can help us win games.”

Cook has missed some practices while nurturing his injury and predicts that will remain the case until he gets healthy. But in the meantime, the Pro Bowler intends to keep listening to his body and avoid aggravating the injury.

Cook sprained his ankles in the fourth quarter of Minnesota’s heartbreaking 33-34 loss against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2. He was sidelined in Week 3 as a result but ended up making a comeback against the Cleveland Brown last week. The 26-year-old played 33 snaps and finished the contest with 34 rushing yards on nine attempts.

With the Vikings managing Cook’s snaps, the third-year back Alexander Mattison got the opportunity to play more and is using it in the best way possible. This was particularly the case in a 30-17 win over the Seattle Seahawks when Mattison finished the game with career-high 112 rushing yards and six catches for 59 yards.

The post Vikings RB Dalvin Cook Intends to Keep Playing Despite Injury appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

The Ravens’ offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak told reporters on Thursday that the team intends to keep veteran Rashod Hill at left tackle despite the return of highly-rated rookie Christian Darrisaw.

“Rashod is our guy,” Kubiak said via ESPN. “Good to have Christian back in practice; he’s getting better. He’s only had a few days, so we have to build him up and do it the right way. Really pleased with his progression.”

The Vikings selected Darrisaw with the 23rd overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, and he was a favorite to start at the left tackle right away. However, the Virginia Tech product had to undergo groin surgery in August, which opened the doors for Hill to step in and claim the starting job.

While Darrisaw is probably the franchise’s LT of the future, he will obviously have to wait a bit longer before taking that role.

“I think that’s a discussion for down the line,” Kubiak said when asked when Darrisaw could make his way into the Vikings’ lineup.

According to Pro Football Focus, Rashod Hill allowed eight pressures on quarterback Kirk Cousins through the first three weeks of the season. However, they resulted in only one sack.

The post Vikings to Keep Rashod Hill at Left Tackle appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Vikings’ general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said that Jefferson won’t be traded.

“That is not something that has once crossed my mind,” Adofo-Mensah said while appearing at the NFL Scouting Combine. “You’ve got a blue player and a blue person. You try to keep as many of those as you can.”

Jefferson became extension-eligible last offseason, but the two sides couldn’t get on the same page. The negotiations were called off once the 2023 season started, but Jefferson and the Vikings have reportedly started talking again in recent weeks.

Adofo-Mensah confirmed that the Vikings are willing to break the bank for Jefferson, believing they have the best wide receiver in the game. 

“We think he’s the best wide receiver in the league, and he should be compensated as such,” he added. “We think he’s one of the best non-quarterbacks in the league, and we think he should be compensated as such.”

Justin Jefferson, Vikings’ first-round pick in 2022, earned Pro Bowl nods in each of his first three years in the NFL. He dealt with injuries last season, which limited him to 10 games, but still managed to get 68 receptions for 1,074 yards and five touchdowns. Jefferson is averaging 98.3 yards per game as a pro, which currently stands as the NFL record.

The post Vikings GM Says Star WR Justin Jefferson Won’t Be Traded appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Hockenson’s injury came during the Vikings’ 30-24 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday. During the Vikings’ second offensive play of the third quarter, Hockenson was knocked in the knee by Lions safety Kerby Joseph while leaping to grab a pass. He immediately made his way to the sideline, where he remained for the rest of the game.

“It was a very, very unfortunate play,” O’Connell remarked following the game. “We’ve done a nice job [in the NFL] of helping take out some of those head and neck area hits to the defenseless players, [but] some of those low hits can be incredibly catastrophic for guys. It was awful to see that happen.” This injury has rained on Hockenson’s parade in what has been an emphatic first full season with the Vikings. He ranks second in the NFL in catches by tight ends (95) and third overall in receiving yards (960).

The post Vikings Tight End Hockenson Out for Season appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Metellus’ extension is worth $13 million and comes with $6 million in guaranteed money. The Michigan product had one year left on his rookie deal.

Metellus was drafted in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Vikings. He played mostly on special teams in his first two years as a pro but received an expanded role as a safety towards the end of 2022. This helped the 25-year-old to get 42 tackles, five passes defended, and his first career interception.

Judging by the Vikings’ training camp, Metellus might be poised for an even bigger role on defense this upcoming season. The team’s new defensive coordinator Brian Flores has been running a lot of three-safety packages during practices and preseason, making Metellus a logical pick to line up alongside starters Harrison Smith and Camryn Bynum.

Metellus isn’t the only player Minnesota signed to a new deal in recent days. The team previously gave a new deal to tight end T.J. Hockenson, making him the highest-paid player in his position. The Vikings are also hoping to wrap up an extension for star wideout Justin Jefferson soon.

The post Vikings Sign Safety Josh Metellus to a 2-Year, $13 Million Extension appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Reportedly, the Vikings had discussions with several teams, but none of them was willing to give up significant compensation to take on Cook’s big contract.

“I hold Dalvin in the highest regard and am grateful for his contributions on and off the field,” said coach Kevin O’Connell in a statement after the news became official.

It wasn’t a secret that Vikings wanted to move on from Cook despite him being one of their main offensive weapons in recent years. The 27-year-old player was set to count $14.1 million against the cap and would earn $11 million in base salary had he remained on the team.

By releasing Cook, the Vikings only have to pay him $2 million while clearing $9 million in cap space.

The Vikings will now likely install Alexander Mattison as their primary back. Serving as Cook’s backup in the past four years, Mattison totaled 1,670 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Cook, on the other hand, will have his pick of teams in free agency. He is expected to be pursued by multiple playoff contenders, although the Miami Dolphins seem to be favorites.

The post Vikings Release Pro Bowl RB Dalvin Cook appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Cousins made this clear while speaking with the reporters on Wednesday.

“I want to be in Minnesota,” Cousins said. “That’s kind of a no-brainer. Hopefully, we can earn the right to do that.”

Cousins currently has one year left on his contract with the Vikings and will earn $35 million in 2023 before becoming a free agent. The two sides held discussions about an extension earlier in the offseason but couldn’t come to an agreement. But it appears that the veteran has no hard feelings about the situation he is in.

“Most of our locker room has no idea what is coming in three or four months, let alone three or four years or next year,” Cousins added. “I feel like I’m one of the guys, if you will. We’re all in this together.”

Kirk Cousins earned his fourth Pro Bowl nod in 2022, throwing for 4,547 yards and 24 touchdowns while leading the Vikings to a 13-4 record and the NFC North title. But it appears that this still hasn’t convinced Minnesota that he is the right quarterback to lead them to a Super Bowl. The franchise has been reportedly exploring other options for a while, and it might be just a matter of time before they decide to move on. Perhaps the end of the 2023 season will be that moment.  

The post QB Kirk Cousins on His Future: “I Want to Be in Minnesota” appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

The Vikings gave Thielen a proper farewell, commemorating his time with the franchise through several social media posts and statements from the team’s brass.

“He was a Minnesota Viking long before we signed him, and he will always be considered a part of this team,” owners Zygi and Mark Wilf said in a team-released statement.

Thielen also released a statement via his social media, saying playing for the Vikings was “beyond what I could have dreamed of.”

“I poured everything I had into these last 10+ years in presenting and playing for this team and state. My family and I will always cherish the memories we created on and off the field. Minnesota is — and will always be — home to us,” wrote Thielen.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Adam Thielen (@athielen19)

Thielen was born in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, and played college football at Minnesota State. After not being selected in the 2013 NFL Draft, he attended a rookie tryout with the Vikings and managed to land a contract with the franchise.

Thielen didn’t seem to have much action at the start of his pro career, being used on both the offense and special teams. This all changed after his breakthrough campaign in 2016, in which he had 69 catches for 967 yards and five touchdowns. Thielen followed this up with two Pro Bowl seasons, establishing himself as the team’s No. 1 wideout.

However, Thielen’s role diminished in recent years, mostly due to the emergence of Justin Jefferson and other younger offensive talent. This, coupled with his significant cap hit, resulted in the Vikings deciding it was time for the two sides to go their separate ways.

 Thielen is now expected to be one of the most sought-after wideouts in free agency. He will likely opt for a team that will give him a more prominent role alongside a chance to compete for a Super Bowl.

The post Vikings Release Veteran Pro Bowl WR Adam Thielen appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

“We will immediately begin our search to fill this critical role as we continue to build a championship standard for the Minnesota Vikings,” first-year coach Kevin O’Connell announced after the team confirmed Donatell’s dismissal.

Despite having won the second-most regular season games in franchise history, the Vikings’ defense proved notably vulnerable this season, ending the season ranked 28th in points allowed and 31st in yards allowed. The Giants scored 31 points and gained 431 yards against the Vikings on Sunday.

Skepticism surrounding Donatell’s abilities and doubt over his future was cast in Week 14 when O’Connell admitted that he was considering several options to improve the Vikings’ defense. When asked at the time if staff changes were an option, O’Connell confirmed that it was not on the table at that time.

The post Vikings Fire Donatell Following Shock Playoff Exit appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Down 33-0, the Vikings were booed off the field at half-time. During the subsequent team talk, Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson challenged his teammates to score five touchdowns, with head coach Kevin O’Connell stating that he would never forget it as long as he lived if this feat was achieved by his team.

“Nobody is happier to be NFC North champions. The way we earned it, I think will stick with a lot of us for a long time, but there’s still a lot to go back and make sure we rectify,” O’Connell commented following his team’s monumental comeback win.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins enjoyed a standout second-half performance, throwing for 417 of his 460 yards – more than any NFL quarterback in the past 45 years.

The Vikings will next face the New York Giants on Saturday afternoon.

The post Vikings Win NFC North After 33-Point Comeback appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Cook confirmed his determination while chatting with reporters ahead of the divisional clash against the Detroit Lions.

“I don’t feel like I’m getting worse. I don’t feel like I’m headed in the wrong direction,” Cook said. “I feel like I’m headed in the right direction to get myself back to where I need to be at. You have those days, but we just played a game. Just trying to work myself back to being 100% so I can help us win games.”

Cook has missed some practices while nurturing his injury and predicts that will remain the case until he gets healthy. But in the meantime, the Pro Bowler intends to keep listening to his body and avoid aggravating the injury.

Cook sprained his ankles in the fourth quarter of Minnesota’s heartbreaking 33-34 loss against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2. He was sidelined in Week 3 as a result but ended up making a comeback against the Cleveland Brown last week. The 26-year-old played 33 snaps and finished the contest with 34 rushing yards on nine attempts.

With the Vikings managing Cook’s snaps, the third-year back Alexander Mattison got the opportunity to play more and is using it in the best way possible. This was particularly the case in a 30-17 win over the Seattle Seahawks when Mattison finished the game with career-high 112 rushing yards and six catches for 59 yards.

The post Vikings RB Dalvin Cook Intends to Keep Playing Despite Injury appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

The Ravens’ offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak told reporters on Thursday that the team intends to keep veteran Rashod Hill at left tackle despite the return of highly-rated rookie Christian Darrisaw.

“Rashod is our guy,” Kubiak said via ESPN. “Good to have Christian back in practice; he’s getting better. He’s only had a few days, so we have to build him up and do it the right way. Really pleased with his progression.”

The Vikings selected Darrisaw with the 23rd overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, and he was a favorite to start at the left tackle right away. However, the Virginia Tech product had to undergo groin surgery in August, which opened the doors for Hill to step in and claim the starting job.

While Darrisaw is probably the franchise’s LT of the future, he will obviously have to wait a bit longer before taking that role.

“I think that’s a discussion for down the line,” Kubiak said when asked when Darrisaw could make his way into the Vikings’ lineup.

According to Pro Football Focus, Rashod Hill allowed eight pressures on quarterback Kirk Cousins through the first three weeks of the season. However, they resulted in only one sack.

The post Vikings to Keep Rashod Hill at Left Tackle appeared first on yoursportspot.com.