Access Vikings

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.