DAILY CLIPS

THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2020

LOCAL NEWS: Thursday, July 23, 2020

Pioneer Press

Despite less Vikings camp spots, undrafted Jake Lacina hopes ‘to get a chance’ By Chris Tomasson https://www.twincities.com/2020/07/22/despite-less-vikings-camp-spots-undrafted-jake-lacina-hopes-to-get-a-chance/

Kyle Rudolph’s only concern heading into Vikings’ season: ‘We aren’t able to finish’ By Jace Frederick https://www.twincities.com/2020/07/22/kyle-rudolphs-only-concern-heading-into-vikings-season-we-arent-able-to- finish/

Vikings finalizing multi-year contract extension with Mike Zimmer By Chris Tomasson https://www.twincities.com/2020/07/22/vikings-finalizing-multi-year-contract-extension-with-mike-zimmer/

Star Tribune

Vikings and Mike Zimmer agree on multiyear contract extension By Andrew Krammer https://www.startribune.com/vikings-zimmer-agree-on-multiyear-contract-extension/571865321/

Wilf family isn't actively pursuing purchase of Timberwolves By Andrew Krammer and Chris Hine https://www.startribune.com/wilf-family-not-actively-pursuing-purchase-of-timberwolves/571868811/

Vikings season ticket holders can opt out ahead of expected limited capacity By Andrew Krammer https://www.startribune.com/vikings-season-ticket-holders-can-opt-out-ahead-of-expected-limited- capacity/571860131/

The Athletic

Vikings extend Mike Zimmer’s contract and extinguish a smoldering fire By Chad Graff https://theathletic.com/1945761/2020/07/22/mike-zimmer-contract-extension-rick-spielman-wilfs/

Purple Insider

Instant reaction: Mike Zimmer's multi-year deal gives him a chance to build another winner By Matthew Coller https://purpleinsider.substack.com/p/instant-reaction-mike-zimmers-multi

How the latest developments in camp negotiations will impact the Vikings By Matthew Coller https://purpleinsider.substack.com/p/how-the-latest-developments-in-camp

NATIONAL NEWS: Thursday, July 23, 2020

ESPN

Minnesota Vikings' 53-man roster projection: Who emerges to fill void left by ? By Courtney Cronin https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/29481338/minnesota-vikings-53-man-roster-projection-emerges-fill-void- left-stefon-diggs

Minnesota Vikings training camp questions: Concern for 's holdout? By Courtney Cronin https://www.espn.com/blog/minnesota-vikings/post/_/id/30006/minnesota-vikings-training-camp-questions-concern- for-dalvin-cooks-holdout

CBS Sports

Mike Zimmer agrees to multi-year contract extension with the Vikings, per report By Bryan DeArdo and Jordan Dejani https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/mike-zimmer-agrees-to-multi-year-contract-extension-with-the-vikings-per- report/

NFL.com

Mike Zimmer, Vikings finalizing multi-year extension By Kevin Patra https://www.nfl.com/news/mike-zimmer-vikings-finalizing-multi-year-extension

Maven Media

ESPN Ranks Vikings Second-Worst in NFL in Offseason Improvement By Will Ragatz https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/news/espn-ranks-vikings-second-worst-nfl-offseason-improvement

Justin Jefferson Among Wave of Vikings Draftees to Sign Rookie Contracts By Will Ragatz https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/news/justin-jefferson-vikings-draftees-sign-rookie-contracts

Vikings Finalizing Multi-Year Contract Extension With Mike Zimmer By Will Ragatz https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/news/vikings-finalizing-multi-year-contract-extension-mike-zimmer

MULTIMEDIA NEWS: Thursday, July 23, 2020

3M Open By WCCO http://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=70e4f26c-8b87-4c54-9a3d-6d85e0f3804e

Zimmer Agrees to Multi-Year Extension By KSTP http://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=445c0003-70b0-471f-a375-d189f764fd3f

Vikings Finalizing Extension with Zimmer By KARE http://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=317b7013-cf10-45c9-a258-de71a58cebda

Vikings Working Out Details of Extension with Zimmer By KMSP http://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=a7af339e-a392-4aed-ba36-a8a4ba79a245

VIKINGS ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK: Thursday, July 23, 2020

Lunchbreak: Sharpe Projected to Be 'Most-Improved' Player on Vikings 2020 Roster By Lindsey Young https://www.vikings.com/news/lunchbreak-sharpe-projected-to-be-most-improved-player-on-vikings-2020-roster

PUBLICATION: Pioneer Press DATE: 7/23/20

Despite less Vikings camp spots, undrafted Jake Lacina hopes ‘to get a chance’

By Chris Tomasson

Jake Lacina hopes his dream to suit up for the Vikings doesn’t end before it even starts.

The center, a Cretin-Derham Hall High School graduate and the son of former Vikings guard Corbin Lacina, signed with Minnesota last April as an undrafted free agent. Lacina, who starred at Division II Augustana (S.D.) University, has spent the past three months getting ready for training camp.

Vikings rookies, quarterbacks and select other players report to the TCO Performance Center in Eagan on Thursday while other veterans will report next Tuesday. But Minnesota likely will need to let some players go next week when the roster is finalized for the start of camp.

NFL teams usually are allowed a maximum of 90 players in camp, and the Vikings now have 87 on the roster. But to help with social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic, roster limits are expected to instead be 80.

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So, the Vikings likely will have to make moves on seven players. And most of those out-of-luck guys likely will come from a pool of 12 undrafted free agents that were signed.

“I’m going to go in there and give it my best shot no matter what,’’ Lacina said. “It’s probably concerning, but it doesn’t change what I’m going to try to do in the field. I’m going to go in with the best mindset I can.’’

Even if he is among the 80 in camp, Lacina knows it hardly will be easy to earn a roster spot.

“Every day is a concern being an undrafted free agent,’’ Lacina said.

With that in mind, the 6-foot-4, 300-pound Lacina has been striving to get in the best possible shape. Between March and June, Lacina worked out at the family’s cabin up north in Park Rapids, Minn., after buying a bunch of weights on Craigslist.

Lacina last month returned to his St. Paul home. Since then, he has been working out regularly at the Training Haus in Eagan.

“I’m just really focused on getting in shape, because I figure if I show up out of shape, that’s not a good sign,’’ said Lacina, who last season won the Rimington Trophy for being the nation’s top Division II center and was a consensus All-America.

Lacina long has had a dream to play for the Vikings. His father played in the NFL from 1993-2003, including 1999- 2002 with Minnesota.

In addition to being a fan of his dad, Lacina grew up often wearing a jersey and had posters of the star .

“My dad has just been telling me that, going in there as an undrafted free agent, I’ve got to stand out,’’ said Lacina, trying to become the first son of a Vikings player to make a regular-season roster. “I’ve got to go in there and do my thing and impress someone.’’

Lacina won’t immediately get a chance to do that. After reporting Thursday, players that day will have a coronavirus test, will take Friday and Saturday off, and then will have another test Sunday. Those who have two negative tests will move forward on Monday.

It’s uncertain exactly what day the Vikings might have to set an 80-man roster. And even if Lacina survives to start camp, the odds this year will be stacked against him even more than they usually are against an undrafted free agent.

NFL teams didn’t have any on-the-field spring drills. And due to the coronavirus, there are not expected to be any preseason games.

“I was definitely very bummed to hear that there will be no preseason games,’’ Lacina said. “Like everything, that’s not going to help undrafted free agents. … I just hope that I get a chance.’’

PUBLICATION: Pioneer Press DATE: 7/23/20

Kyle Rudolph’s only concern heading into Vikings’ season: ‘We aren’t able to finish’

By Jace Frederick

Kyle Rudolph will spend much of his last few days off work at the 3M Open in Blaine. Rudolph is an ambassador for the golf tournament, which serves as a benefactor for the Masonic Children’s Hospital, a place near and dear to the Vikings tight end’s heart.

Then, next week, training camp begins for the Vikings, and a season that faces many questions will get underway.

Rudolph can’t wait.

“I’m excited to get back to work. We want to get back to work. We want to play football,” Rudolph said Wednesday. “Sports can have such an impact on our country and us rallying together, going through these tough times right now. I believe we can do it safely, and we can get back to work and we can be something that brings this country back together through these tough times that we’ve dealt with. I’m excited that we can get back to work.”

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Vikings rookies will be welcomed into the Vikings’ Eagan practice facility Thursday. Rudolph and the team’s veterans will join them next week.

“They’ve got a process for everything to get going,” Rudolph said, “and I’m glad that process is finally starting.”

Rudolph has been asked about his concerns heading into the season, and he insists he doesn’t have any about joining his teammates at the team’s facility, going through training camp, practicing or ever playing games.

“My biggest concern would be that we start and we aren’t able to finish,” Rudolph said. “You see all the professional sports this spring that went on almost a four-month break before they got fired back up again, and just the game of football and the physicality of it, you take so long to prepare and get ready, taking four months, having a break and trying to fire up again would be very tough, so I know that that’s going to be the end goal. We’re not just going to start to get started. We’re going to start when we feel like we’re able to get this all done, and we can start, but more importantly, we can finish.”

Players across the league voiced their concerns with the league’s testing protocols over the weekend. Those protocols reportedly are improving, with players set to be testing daily through at least the first two weeks of training camp.

“I’ve been very happy with everything that’s played out over the last few days and how things are going. They have a very good testing protocol in place,” Rudolph said.

Vikings coaches were first tested Tuesday, while rookies underwent their first round of testing Wednesday.

“We’ll get in there next week, and I have no fears or worries about the protocols that are in place,” Rudolph said. “I know they have our safety and our well being and our families’ health and safety at the forefront of everything going back.”

Also included in the league’s plan to return to play is the elimination of preseason games. Those exhibitions are the bane of veteran players’ existences, but Rudolph feels bad for what the loss of those games mean for players trying to earn roster spots.

RELATED ARTICLES Despite less Vikings camp spots, undrafted Jake Lacina hopes ‘to get a chance’ Vikings finalizing multi-year contract extension with Mike Zimmer Vikings agree to terms with first-round pick , seven other draftees Vikings going to great lengths to combat coronavirus with players about to report Newest Vikings lineman ready to make it rain in Minnesota “Those opportunities are already limited, and now they’re going to be severely limited without preseason games,” Rudolph said. “So it’s disappointing for those guys and it’s going to put them in a tough situation. But for us, it’s all about safety, and we need to get to Week 1 and start playing real games, and if that’s what needs to happen, that’s what needs to happen.”

Rudolph said this season will be unlike any campaign he’s played in before, or that anyone else has seen.

“But that’s kind of like how the last three to four months have been. You’ve got to take it day by day. You have to adjust on the fly,” he said. “And whichever team can handle the chaos and adjust quickly and be prepared will have a leg up. I feel like we had a great offseason virtually, we got a lot of really good work in over the course of the nine weeks that we met as a team, and you’ve just got to try to handle all of the different things that this fall is going to throw at you, and whoever handles it the best will put themselves in a situation to be a champion at the end of the year.”

PUBLICATION: Pioneer Press DATE: 7/23/20

Vikings finalizing multi-year contract extension with Mike Zimmer

By Chris Tomasson

The Vikings look ready to hang on to Mike Zimmer beyond this season.

A source confirmed an NFL Media report Wednesday that the Vikings are close to finalizing a multi-year contract extension with Zimmer, who is entering his seventh season as head coach. Zimmer was entering the final year of his contract.

After the 2018 season, Zimmer had one year left on his deal before he received a one-year extension in February 2019.

Zimmer, 64, said after last season he expected conversations would begin soon on a possible contract extension. The coronavirus pandemic perhaps delayed getting a deal done, but Zimmer has learned of his extra job security prior to rookies, quarterbacks and selected other players reporting for training camp Thursday in Eagan.

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Zimmer’s mentor, hall of fame coach Bill Parcells, applauded the news on Zimmer’s extension.

“The Vikings have a good coach in my opinion,” Parcells told the Pioneer Press. “Continuity is important. Now they are set for a while.”

When Parcells coached the Dallas Cowboys from 2003-06, Zimmer was his defensive coordinator. Zimmer continues to seek advice from Parcells, who won two Super Bowls with the .

Zimmer has a 57-38-1 record as Vikings coach and has made the playoffs in three of his six seasons. In 2019, the Vikings went 10-6 in the regular season, then won 26-20 in overtime at New Orleans in a wild-card game before losing 27-10 at San Francisco in the divisional round.

“I love these players, this organization,” Zimmer said in January about wanting a contract extension.

It will be next week at the earliest that Zimmer is back on the field with players. Players who report Thursday will take a coronavirus test that day and have Friday and Saturday off before taking another test Sunday. Players with two negative tests will be able to move forward starting Monday.

All other veteran players will report Tuesday. They will have a similar testing schedule. PUBLICATION: Star Tribune DATE: 7/23/20

Vikings and Mike Zimmer agree on multiyear contract extension

By Andrew Krammer

A multiyear contract extension for Mike Zimmer has been on slow boil since he left the Superdome in January with his second playoff win as Vikings coach.

Zimmer, who was entering the final year of his deal, was rewarded with a new contract Wednesday afternoon, a league source confirmed, a day before the team’s first group of players are scheduled to report for training camp. The terms were not immediately available.

Six months ago, Zimmer said he expected contract talks in the “near future” after a playoff loss at San Francisco.

“I love these players, this organization. The owners have been outstanding to me,” Zimmer said Jan. 13 at his season-ending news conference. “I believe that there will be conversations here in the near future and whatever happens, I’m happy with it.”

But a deal was not imminent as recently as earlier this week, according to a league source, and there were a few reasons Zimmer’s contract extension could have been placed on the back burner.

The possibility of a season inches closer now that NFL teams are gathering again this week. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, teams have not been allowed to hold in-person workouts or meetings for four months, and only recently received testing protocols for camp.

Ultimately, the Wilfs didn’t make Zimmer wait any longer. They rewarded the 64-year-old tactician, who has called plays for five consecutive top-10 scoring defenses and is 57-38-1 (. 599) in the regular season and 2-3 in the playoffs over six years. He’s tied for the seventh-longest tenure among NFL head coaches, behind Bill Belichick, Sean Payton, Mike Tomlin, John Harbaugh, Pete Carroll and Andy Reid.

Zimmer’s new contract arrives just before the players do, and the coach’s to-do list may be as long as ever this season.

Seven new starters will be required on offense and defense, with new assistant coaches on both sides of the ball. While every NFL team faces unusual challenges this year, Zimmer will be dealing with the most roster turnover since his initial Vikings season in 2014.

The Wilfs might also address General Manager ’s contract, which is also entering its final season. In the meantime, Spielman is expected to continue working with running back Dalvin Cook’s representatives on an extension to prevent a possible holdout.

Cook did not attend a few virtual meetings last month and said he won’t report to camp without a new deal. The problem facing Cook is, by NFL rule, he can’t become an unrestricted free agent next spring without reporting to camp on Tuesday.

Perhaps helping the two sides find common ground was Derrick Henry’s recent four-year, $50 million extension from the Titans, which a source said is closer to the Vikings’ offers than the $16 million average Christian McCaffery received from Carolina in April.

Zimmer has spoken fondly of Cook, equally effective as a rusher and receiver, as the spearhead of a balanced offense, boding well for Cook’s chances of getting a new deal as well.

PUBLICATION: Star Tribune DATE: 7/23/20

Wilf family isn't actively pursuing purchase of Timberwolves

By Andrew Krammer and Chris Hine

It appears the Wilfs won’t be getting into the basketball business, at least not yet.

After a report from ESPN surfaced Tuesday that said the Wilf family, owners of the Vikings, were serious about acquiring the Wolves from Glen Taylor, sources told the Star Tribune on Wednesday that there are no active talks between Taylor and the Wilfs.

Taylor confirmed Tuesday that he was exploring the sale of the team with the help of merchant bank Raine Group.

Raine Group and Taylor had reached out to gauge the Wilfs’ interest, and the sides had some dialogue, but it hasn’t continued. A source said the Wilfs hope the Wolves remain in Minnesota.

Taylor has been adamant about that as he considers selling the franchise he agreed to take over in 1994. A potential Wilf purchase would seemingly secure the Wolves’ place in Minnesota, but Taylor said previously any potential buyer would have to agree to keep the team here or he wouldn’t sell to that group.

Taylor indicated there was an out-of-state family further along in the process of acquiring the team than others, and Wednesday’s development suggests the Wilfs, who hail from New Jersey, aren’t that family.

Taylor also said the Lynx would likely be sold with the Wolves in any deal.

Cheryl Reeve is all too familiar with the feeling of relocating a franchise. The Lynx general manager and coach was an assistant with the Detroit Shock when the team moved to Tulsa in 2009. On Wednesday, as her team prepared for the upcoming season in Bradenton, Fla., Reeve said whatever Taylor decides to do with the team she would support.

“I told Glen I was happy for him, if this was what he thought was best for himself and the limited partners,” Reeve said. “It’s well beyond my abilities to go any further than that. We control what we can control, and Glen knows we love having him a part of this.’’

Reeve and Lynx center Sylvia Fowles were among the first people from the Wolves or Lynx to speak publicly about Taylor’s future with the teams.

Fowles said Taylor “is everything to this organization.” Reeve said he’s one of the best listeners she has met.

“I just continue to have faith in what Glen wants,” Reeve said. “I understand it’s a business deal and things could change. But, at this point, I think Glen’s involvement — and, really anybody that takes on the franchise is going to understand what they have in the Lynx as well as the Wolves. So I’m confident.’’

Though Taylor might sell both franchises together, he said many of the interested parties he has spoken with would like him to remain on board in some fashion after the sale.

Even former Timberwolves star Kevin Garnett, who has had a yearslong feud with Taylor, expressed a willingness to bury the hatchet and work with Taylor should the group Garnett has partnered with gain control of the team.

“I look forward to trying to work with him to achieve my dream,” Garnett said Tuesday on Instagram.

Garnett recently settled a lawsuit with his former accounting firm alleging it stole $77 million from him.

Taylor said he wasn’t sure which group involved in the process had partnered with Garnett.

Taylor also said Tuesday his age, 79, and the large number of businesses he owns under Taylor Corporation has made him consider selling the Wolves. Among the businesses he owns is the Star Tribune.

He said he wants the Wolves to remain in Minnesota for the good of the state.

“It’s a state asset,” Taylor said. “It’s something we have here in Minnesota that not every state has, [that] some of the other states would like to have. This state has been really good to me.”

Staff writer Kent Youngblood contributed to this report. PUBLICATION: Star Tribune DATE: 7/23/20

Vikings season ticket holders can opt out ahead of expected limited capacity

By Andrew Krammer

Ahead of what is expected to be limited capacity, at least, for Vikings games at U.S. Bank Stadium this season, the team is allowing fans to opt out of season ticket plans in 2020 for credit in 2021.

The team informed roughly 60,000 season ticket holders in a letter this week that “significantly reduced capacity” is possible. Fans who keep tickets will be credited for any games cancelled or missed due to limited capacity. A full refund is also available by request. Under limited capacity, the Vikings will give priority to seat license owners, with more to be determined.

“We will comply with NFL rules, as well as state and federal regulations, and will approve any plans with the Governor’s office,” the letter read. “We can acknowledge at this time that if we are allowed to play in front of fans, games will be at a significantly reduced capacity and include a different in-stadium experience. We are planning around a number of scenarios now and will provide an update as soon as possible.”

For now, the NFL is gearing up for a regular season, starting Sept. 13 vs. Green Bay for the Vikings. Rookies and quarterbacks report Thursday, when they will take an initial coronavirus test; two negative results taken three days apart are required for initial entry into team facilities.

Around the league, teams are bracing for limited crowds or empty stadiums. The Packers are expecting no more than 10,000-12,000 fans allowed, if any, this season. The Jets and Giants became the first NFL teams to prevent fans from attending games.

The NBA, MLB, NHL and WNBA will not allow fans when those leagues begin or resume their seasons in the coming weeks.

The union representing NFL players on Tuesday reported 95 players are known to have tested positive for the coronavirus, prior to league-wide testing.

PUBLICATION: The Athletic DATE: 7/23/20

Vikings extend Mike Zimmer’s contract and extinguish a smoldering fire

By Chad Graff

Mark and Zygi Wilf opened eyes with a 32-word statement in January proclaiming that the Vikings’ ownership group looked forward to several more years with coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman at the helm of the Vikings.

How strange, it seemed, for the owners to make such a proclamation so close to a playoff game with a massive contest in New Orleans looming. And how peculiar the wording at a time when similar votes of confidence from other organizations so often lead to major changes.

But on Wednesday, the Wilfs backed up their words from several months ago, in the process de-escalating a situation that had potential to loom over the entire season. The Vikings agreed to terms on a multi-year extension with Zimmer, which NFL Network first reported, and are expected to have a similar one for Spielman. Terms of the deal were not yet known.

It puts an end to a long bout of negotiations that had Zimmer increasingly concerned about his job security. But the Wilfs emphatically answered questions about whether they remain committed to Zimmer and whether they’re confident in this current regime to deliver success.

As the Vikings chart a path through an unusual season with an inexperienced roster, they’ve made clear to everyone in the league that they expect this leadership group to remain.

It never would’ve been ideal to make this a prove-it year for Zimmer. Such a proclamation would be more suitable for a team with ample continuity. But solidified, these Vikings are not. Who plays wide receiver? Who plays corner? Who knows?

That’s part of why Zimmer’s extension is such a big deal. He and Spielman first tried to build around a first-round quarterback who Zimmer thought would be the last quarterback he ever coached. Instead, a freak injury to forced an audible. Four offensive coordinators and three quarterbacks later, Spielman has re-shaped the roster to Zimmer’s liking.

Vikings under Mike Zimmer, since 2015 Vikings 50-29-1 1,841 1,505 336 NFL rank T-5th 14th 2nd 5th The teams they liked so much in recent years fell short at one point or another in the playoffs. So they decided this offseason to re-tool with hopes that a Super Bowl-caliber team was still to come.

It was a risky decision without the security that comes from multi-year contracts. But Zimmer felt throughout the early part of the offseason that it was a foregone conclusion he’d be extended. Only recently, as the summer wore on and training camp neared, did Zimmer prep for the possibility of coaching in the final year of his deal.

In the end, Zimmer’s points prevailed. He touted his .600 win percentage, which is third-best in franchise history. He made it known that he ranks in the top five in wins since 2015. His defenses are routinely among the best in football.

There are certainly valid criticisms for Zimmer’s tenure in Minnesota, which begins with season No. 7 on Thursday as rookies and quarterbacks report for training camp. He hasn’t made the playoffs in consecutive years and his teams were embarrassed in their two postseason losses the past three seasons.

But the Wilfs value stability and appreciate that this move brings that. They want to be viewed as a model franchise akin to the Pittsburgh Steelers and placing long-term trust in their head coach is one way to do that.

And for Zimmer, he gets the multi-year deal he’d been seeking. He was wary of simply adding another year on his contract, something he did last year. He felt he’d done enough after leading the Vikings to another double-digit win season and playoff victory to net the security he wanted. He was also aware that other coaches with similar winning percentages don’t just take one-year extensions and wanted to be compensated — both in contract length and money — like a top-10 coach.

Now he will be. The Vikings were close to entering training camp with the cloud of uncertainty hovering above their leadership. Instead, they’ve doubled-down on their faith in Zimmer. PUBLICATION: Purple Insider DATE: 7/23/20

Instant reaction: Mike Zimmer's multi-year deal gives him a chance to build another winner

By Matthew Coller

The Minnesota Vikings removed a bit of drama and tension from the opening of training camp by signing Mike Zimmer to a multi-year contract, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. A source told Purple Insider that the deal is for three years.

Now he will have a chance to see through the revamp of the roster and aim for a similar trajectory as the Vikings underwent from the time he arrived in 2014 to their peak in 2017, when they reached the NFC Championship game.

Zimmer’s status felt like it had a chance to get ugly. Last week, a source told The Athletic that Zimmer was ‘irked’ that he and the team hadn’t worked out an extension yet. Prior to the team’s playoff game against the New Orleans Saints last year, the Wilfs put out a statement that they planned to keep Zimmer amid rumors that they would consider trading him to the Dallas Cowboys.

The combination of an impressive defensive performance in the victory over the Saints and a revamped young roster that has the chance to grow over the next several seasons around players like first-round picks Justin Jefferson and as well as those who have flashed talent and are ready to come into their primes under Zimmer a la Brian O’Neill, Irv Smith, Mike Hughes, Ifeadi Odenigbo etc. made it attractive to the Vikings to have continuity at the head coaching position.

Over his first six seasons as a head coach, there’s one thing we’ve learned about Zimmer that is very likely to translate over to the next era of the roster: He will maximize defensive talent both in results and development.

From 2014-2019 we saw players like , , Linval Joseph, Anthony Harris and reach the fullest of their abilities as non first-round picks and play huge roles in the team consistently ranking in the top 10 on defense (and as high as No. 1 in 2017). Out of the first-round picks on defense — Xavier Rhodes, Anthony Barr, Harrison Smith and Trae Waynes — three of the four made the and the other got a significant contract with Cincinnati.

This all bodes well for the Gladneys, Odenigbos, Hugheses, Holton Hills and Cam Dantzlers of the world.

It also gives them a chance to make the playoffs consistently and be in contention for a Super Bowl if everything clicks on offense.

Zimmer’s offenses have varied widely during his time, ranking anywhere from 23rd at worst to eighth at best in points and his worst record was 7-9 in his first year. The team has not been below .500 since then.

Now on the offensive side the Vikings have found someone who can have consistency over the next few seasons under Zimmer in Gary Kubiak. The two old school football minds worked with very good chemistry last year and Kubiak’s offense acted as a perfect fit for quarterback .

One of the biggest criticisms of Zimmer in the past was that he couldn’t find an offense that he was happy with aside from Pat Shurmur’s in 2017. Norv Turner resigned in 2016 and Zimmer fired John DeFilippo in 2018.

But Kubiak has become almost a co-head coach, providing insight from his experience beyond just his duties as offensive coordinator.

We know the NFL is a year-to-year league but if Zimmer plays out the entirety of his contract, it will run beyond Cousins’s deal. Over the next few years, the two will be tied together, even if Zimmer’s main focus is the defense. They will be judged on each other’s performance but if Cousins can’t consistently repeat or eclipse what he did last season, Zimmer may have an opportunity to pick his next quarterback down the road.

That’s a long way down the road. For right now, there will be no question in the organization of who is in charge. During his tenure, Zimmer has made the grocery list and the front office has gotten the groceries, to paraphrase an old Bill Parcells saying, and that appears to have continued last offseason with drafting multiple cornerbacks and signing defensive tackle Michael Pierce.

Most importantly for 2020, this deal gives Zimmer some room to operate in case the team struggles with new faces or runs into pandemic-related issues like players missing time due to illness etc. It means that every move in 2020 won’t be judged through the lens of, “is he coming back?”

PUBLICATION: Purple Insider DATE: 7/23/20

How the latest developments in camp negotiations will impact the Vikings

By Matthew Coller

Things are changing fast, folks.

The NFL and its players have been in mad-dash negotiating mode over the last week to agree upon parameters for the beginning of training camp that are tailored to the health/safety and financial needs of both sides. On Monday they worked out agreements on testing and Tuesday the league and its players came to terms on more adaptations, including the elimination of preseason games and roster sizes to be cut down, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Tom Pelissero @TomPelissero Updates from NFLPA call with players tonight:

- No preseason games in 2020 - Union still pushing for longer ramp-up period in camp - Roster sizes expected to be 80 to start camp - General agreement on voluntary and high-risk opt-out - General agreement on stipend if games lost July 21st 2020

509 Retweets891 Likes Here’s how these tweaks might impact the Vikings:

1 — They currently have 87 players on the roster, which we previously figured might have been in case they wanted to add veteran free agents (there are still a number of quality players on the market). Now they will have to chop seven guys before they ever get a chance to put on a uniform at TCO Performance Center and if the Vikings do want to add an experienced lineman, situational pass rusher, corner or depth safety, someone else will have to be released.

It might not seem like much considering the guys cut will be undrafted free agents but every year there is a player or two who gets the team’s attention in OTAs or minicamp and eventually wins a roster spot or fights their way up from the practice squad. probably was the 87th man on the roster back in 2013. I can’t imagine Anthony Harris, who weighed around 185 pounds coming out of college, was very high on that list either. For sure and Alexander Hollins entered camp in 2018 and 2019, respectively, as the last guy on the receiver depth chart and ended up on the active roster by the end of the year.

Who knows whether Adam Thielen would be an NFL player if rosters had to be cut down to 80 back in 2013. Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings

That Mr. Mankato type may end up being cut. As Mike Zimmer has said in the past, you never really know who can play until a couple weeks through camp. It’s extremely unfortunate that 300 players around the league thought they had a chance at achieving their dream and now they’ll have to sit and hope opportunity calls again at some point.

I’ll take a guess at the guys who might meet an unfortunate end:

WR , TE Nakia Griffin-Stewart, LB , DT David Moa, WR Bralon Addison, CB Kermon Hall, LB DeMarquis Gates.

You probably haven’t heard of them but maybe you would have.

2 — I’ve always been in the Preseason Games Don’t Matter camp. If bottom-of-the-roster players aren’t in the top 60 on the squad during practices, the odds that they will be bumped up the depth chart based on one exhibition game are pretty low. Kyle Sloter is the perfect example of a player who dominated preseason but struggled in practice, where the team was running their actual offense against a defense that was playing more than just basic stuff. Guys who barely make the roster because they got a slight edge in preseason games very, very rarely make an impact on the season (remember Stacy Coley, anyone?)

However, there are two groups of Vikings who could suffer without games under the bright lights: Offensive linemen and rookies.

We don’t know who is playing on the offensive line for the Vikings this year. With no OTAs or minicamps to even fancy a guess, the competition is wide open. Again, practice always tells the biggest part of the story — and back in 2017 the starting O-line played zero preseason snaps together — but preseason games would allow for some experimentation from the coaching staff. Let’s say they try second-round pick Ezra Cleveland at guard or Riley Reiff moves inside. You would want to see how that looks against an opponent.

By far rookies have the biggest uphill climb. Fourteen practices simply isn’t enough to get used to NFL assignments, reading NFL defenses or playing against NFL competition. For key players like Jeff Gladney and Justin Jefferson, it might take longer than that to be ready, in which case the Vikings may have to hold off on starting them at positions we initially figured they would step right into.

For the potential situation players like DT James Lynch and DE DJ Wonnum or players that could be on the cusp of a job like WR KJ Osborn or DE , the odds of working their way into those gigs basically plummet.

“Imagine you’re on the cusp of making a team and you only have 14 days to do so, you’re not going to do it, they’re going to take all the veterans,” former Viking Geoff Schwartz said on his podcast. “Now the NFL is trying to cram all this ramp-up period into a short amount of time in training camp. Fourteen practices is not enough to get you ready to play.”

3 — It will be fascinating to see which players around the league opt out for either personal or medical reasons and how those decisions could impact the way we see this season. We aren’t privy as reporters to players’ medical histories but you would imagine that every team has several guys with some type of condition that might impact their 2020 status. Or what if a veteran who has played a long time or has high-risk family members simply decides it’s too risky? I wouldn’t begin to guess which Vikings could be on that list but you couldn’t blame anyone who decided that — even with the health measures in place — the risk was too high. Even trainer Eric Sugarman admitted on a conference call with the Twin Cities media that positive tests are inevitable.

4 — OK now the good news: It feels like we’re getting close to the players and owners coming to an agreement. There was fear earlier in the week (even here on this very newsletter!) that this thing would turn into Major League Baseball, which had a months-long fight between players and owners concerning the return to play. Both sides seem intent on playing and on working together to make that happen.

This year certainly be anything like what we’ve seen in the past for anyone. Even reporters will have a far different experience a la Zoom call interviews rather than getting players off the sidelines etc. but if camp gets going and the NFL can muster similar results to the NBA and NHL in terms of a lack of positive COVID tests, this thing just might happen. PUBLICATION: ESPN DATE: 7/23/20

Minnesota Vikings' 53-man roster projection: Who emerges to fill void left by Stefon Diggs?

By Courtney Cronin

The Minnesota Vikings open training camp for the 2020 NFL season on July 28 at TCO Performance Center in Eagan, Minnesota. The Vikings finished the regular season 10-6 and in second place in the NFC North. They return 18 starters from that team as well as head coach Mike Zimmer and coordinator Marwin Maalouf (special teams). Here's a 53-player roster projection:

QUARTERBACKS (2): Kirk Cousins and Sean Mannion.

The Vikings will continue the trend they started a year ago of keeping just two quarterbacks on the active roster. Cousins' durability is impressive with 79 consecutive regular season starts (that would have been 80 had the Vikings' not already clinched a spot in the playoffs ahead of Week 17), so there's only a need for one backup. Former Iowa quarterback Nate Stanely, drafted in the seventh round, takes this year's developmental QB spot on the practice squad, beating out .

RUNNING BACKS (4): Dalvin Cook, , Mike Boone and .

The Vikings didn't draft a running back. Even if Cook holds out during training camp, Minnesota can confidently turn the reins of the running game over to Mattison and use Boone and Abdullah as change-of-pace backs. Of the four, Abdullah will face the most competition for a spot on the roster and battle with rookie K.J. Osborn for his job as a returner.

FULLBACK (1): C.J. Ham.

The Vikings use a lot of 22 personnel, which is reliant upon the fullback and tight end position. Ham's role is vital, and the Vikings rewarded him with a multi-year extension this offseason.

The Vikings hope first-round pick Justin Jefferson can help make up for the loss of Stefon Diggs. Brian Spurlock/USA TODAY Sports WIDE RECEIVERS (5): Adam Thielen, Justin Jefferson, , Tajae Sharpe and K.J. Osborn.

For years, a popular training camp storyline in Minnesota was centered on the team's No. 3 receiver. With Stefon Diggs gone, that attention shifts to the Vikings' No. 2. It's obvious to count on Jefferson to fill that void, but how the rest of the depth chart shakes out is unknown. Sharpe, signed as a free agent, and Johnson, who had a strong rookie season, appear to have a leg up on the eight other receivers not named Thielen or Jefferson. Osborn, a fifth- round pick, makes a strong case to earn a spot over Chad Beebe and top UDFA Quartney Davis (who is likely bound for the practice squad). Osborn has the ability to play on the boundary or in the slot and has potential to take over on punt return.

TIGHT ENDS (3): Kyle Rudolph, Irv Smith Jr. and .

The tight end group doesn't present a lot of mystery. The top two spots are set with Rudolph and Smith Jr., who should see his role as an F-tight end increase significantly this season. Last season Conklin made a handful of important contributions in the passing game and has become a better blocker, which could be enough to fend off former UDFA Brandon Dillon from taking his spot.

OFFENSIVE LINE (10): Riley Reiff, Pat Elflein, , , Brian O'Neill, Ezra Cleveland, , , and Aviante Collins.

Minnesota has more depth on the offensive line than in recent years, and that will be important when it comes to deciding the competition for both guard spots. This training camp feels like Elflein's last chance in Minnesota, but the flexibility he provides at guard and center might keep him around as a backup if he gets beat out by Samia and Dozier. It remains to be seen what the Vikings will do with second-rounder Ezra Cleveland. If he's ready, Cleveland could slide in at left tackle, which might force Reiff to play left guard and create an intriguing game of musical chairs. Either way, the Vikings will go heavy on the offensive line because they have the personnel to make significant improvements to this unit.

DEFENSIVE LINE (9): Danielle Hunter, Ifeadi Odenigbo, D.J. Wonnum, Kenny Willekes, Michael Pierce, , Jaleel Johnson, , James Lynch and Hercules Mata'afa.

With the youth movement in full effect on defense, the Vikings can choose to part ways with Shamar Stephen and upgrade the three-technique spot with Armon Watts, James Lynch and Hercules Mata'afa. Odenigbo is penciled in as the starter opposite Danielle Hunter at defensive end. Rookies D.J. Wonnum and Kenny Willekes have a shot to earn rotational edge rusher roles.

2020 NFL Training Camp

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LINEBACKERS (5): Anthony Barr, Eric Kendricks, Eric Wilson, and Cameron Smith.

Minnesota often finds its special teams depth within the linebacker corps, so maybe the team ends up keeping six over five. Dye, a fifth-rounder, has tremendous athletic traits and can contribute immediately on special teams and as a backup linebacker with good coverage skills. Wilson's game translates better to the Vikings' scheme, which means gets cut.

CORNERBACKS (7): Mike Hughes, Jeff Gladney, Holton Hill, Kris Boyd, , and Nevelle Clarke.

The Vikings entered the draft with depth concerns at corner and head into training camp with 11 on the roster. Hughes has experience playing in the slot and outside. If Minnesota doesn't sign a veteran in the coming weeks, it makes sense for Hughes to take over at nickel. That means Gladney, Hill and Dantzler will be in line for the two outside corner spots. Boyd's contributions on special teams last year might put him in line for a bigger role in 2020. Hand makes the roster for defensive back flexibility while Clark was a top UDFA signing.

SAFETIES (4): Harrison Smith, Anthony Harris, Brian Cole II and .

Minnesota has one of the NFL's top safety tandems but little depth behind Smith and Harris. The two players they drafted on Day 3 -- Cole II and Metellus -- should find a way onto the roster via special teams and as backups.

SPECIALIST (3): Dan Bailey, and Austin Cutting.

Could it be a season without a kicking, punting or long-snapping competition in Vikings training camp? Special teams coordinator Marwan Maalouf deserves a lot of credit for the improvements made by this unit in a year's time. With all three specialists under contract through 2022 after Bailey and Colquitt signed new deals in March, the Vikings can continue to build on the continuity they established within their kicking and punting battery.

PUBLICATION: ESPN DATE: 7/23/20

Minnesota Vikings training camp questions: Concern for Dalvin Cook's holdout?

By Courtney Cronin

The Minnesota Vikings open 2020 NFL training camp on July 28 at TCO Performance Center in Eagan, Minnesota. Here's a closer look at a few storylines:

How long will Dalvin Cook's holdout last? If he doesn't show up, how will the Vikings adjust the running game?

Cook's planned holdout, which was announced by his camp more than six weeks prior to the scheduled start of training camp, is made complicated by new rules within the CBA. The Vikings running back will be fined $50,000 for every day missed during camp and unlike in previous years, those fines don't just magically disappear if/when a team and player finally work out a new deal. That's a hefty price to pay for someone making $1.3 million on the final year of his rookie contract. More importantly, if Cook doesn't show up for camp at the mandatory reporting date or leaves the team after that date, he won't accrue a year of service toward free agency. That would make him a restricted free agent in 2021, which would gravely impact his future earnings.

Minnesota has just about all of the leverage in this situation so Cook's holdout likely won't last past the first week of training camp. The Vikings typically award contract extensions around the start of camp, so we could see a new deal at the end of the month. If Cook has a prolonged absence, the Vikings could very well turn things over to Alexander Mattison, who was drafted in the third round two years ago as a potential Cook replacement, and then use a combination of Mike Boone and Ameer Abdullah. Cook averaged 4.5 yards per rush last season, but the three other running backs averaged 4.9. Mattison, Boone and Abdullah also averaged more yards before contact per rush and more yards after contact per rush.

Dalvin Cook had 250 carries and averaged the fifth-most receiving yards per game by any running back last season. Hannah Foslien/Getty Images However, Derrick Henry's four-year, $50 million extension with $25.5 million guaranteed could help Cook's case. Henry's deal stresses the importance of being a versatile running back to earn a big payday. The Vikings know they have a similar type player in Cook. In addition to handling a 250-carry workload, Cook averaged the fifth-most receiving yards per game by any running back last season.

How will the Vikings' defense, which lost five starters, navigate a rebuilding phase?

Some will assume that the Vikings' days of dominating teams on defense is over after so much turnover this offseason. But all those departures could actually prove beneficial. Minnesota's pass defense ranked 15th in 2019 and gave up more than 230 yards per game after ranking third in 2018 and second in 2017. Cornerback Xavier Rhodes, against whom quarterbacks had a combined 123.8 passer rating when targeted, was a big part of that. And Trae Waynes frankly wasn't much better (107.9 passer rating allowed). Minnesota's overhaul at the cornerback position is the clean slate this secondary needed. First-rounder Jeff Gladney will compete for a starting job along with Mike Hughes, Holton Hill, Kris Boyd and Cameron Dantzler.

The learning curve might be steep, but the future is promising for these young players. The Vikings replaced defensive tackle Linval Joseph with a younger, stronger Michael Pierce and could see an upgrade at three-technique by swapping rookie James Lynch, Jalyn Holmes or Hercules Mata'afa in as starters. Shamar Stephen could be used on a rotational basis. The reviews are high on Ifeadi Odenigbo, who finished third on the Vikings with seven sacks in 2019, as he assumes Everson Griffen's role at defensive end.

Will rookie Justin Jefferson start in the slot?

Jefferson had an LSU record 111 receptions in 2019 and caught 100 of those passes on routes out of the slot. Therefore, it makes sense the Vikings expect to see Jefferson in the slot quite a bit this season, according to offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak.

2020 NFL Training Camp

The NFL season is just around the corner. Here are the biggest questions heading into training camp and roster projections for all 32 teams. Read more » • Full schedule » | Depth charts » • Transactions » | Injuries » More NFL coverage »

"I think what [Jefferson] was asked to do last year is very beneficial," Kubiak said. "You turn on the film, he was playing inside, but he was playing inside in like a lot of bunch sets. He was playing in the backfield sometimes. He was moving around a bunch. He runs a lot of choice routes; that's a way of getting your best player the ball in our league. I think he's done some things that give him a good head start moving forward."

That leg up will be critical since the Vikings won't have much time to experiment moving Jefferson around in the preseason. With Adam Thielen assuming a bigger role with Stefon Diggs now in Buffalo, it will be critical for Jefferson to quickly become a reliable target for quarterback Kirk Cousins. Putting him in the slot is the most logical way for that to happen.

What is tight end Irv Smith Jr.'s role in the offense?

Kubiak lauded Smith's upside this offseason and hinted at an expanded role. "I think there's a lot more there, and Irv's going to give it to us, and I've got to make sure that I get him in position to do that," Kubiak said.

Kubiak's offenses rely on strong play from its tight ends, often with that position serving as the de facto No. 3 receiver. Smith exceeded expectations as a rookie and stepped into bigger roles whenever it was required (36 catches, 311 yards and two TDs), especially when Thielen went down with injury for two months. And with Diggs gone, Smith Jr. is primed to take on a bigger role in the passing game, giving the Vikings options for where to play him in order to capitalize on mismatches.

How will Gary Kubiak's system help Cousins take another step forward?

Cousins will be running the same offense he did a year ago, and that's significant for a quarterback who has had a new offensive coordinator nearly every year as a starter. The offense will feature the same play calls, system, motions and formations that made Cousins a top-five QB in completion percentage and passer rating and put him in the top 10 in and yards per attempt last season.

Most will argue Cousins' success is tied to the system he's in, which is why making sure the Vikings can execute their run-first plan to set up play-action -- a Cousins' strength -- is paramount. The offense lost a part of its soul when Diggs was traded but the Vikings feel they've found his replacement in Jefferson and they are confident they already have the personnel internally to upgrade the offensive line, particularly at both guard spots. PUBLICATION: CBS Sports DATE: 7/23/20

Mike Zimmer agrees to multi-year contract extension with the Vikings, per report

By Bryan DeArdo and Jordan Dejani

Mike Zimmer has agreed to a multi-year contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. The 64-year-old coach was entering the final year of his current contract with the club. Including the playoffs, Zimmer has compiled a 59-41-1 record during his first six seasons with the franchise. The Vikings have made the playoffs three times under Zimmer that included a trip to the NFL title game in 2017. In 2019, after just falling short of the postseason in 2018, the Vikings went 10-6 during the regular season before upsetting the Saints in the wild card round of the NFC playoffs. Minnesota would then fall to the eventual NFC champion 49ers in the divisional round.

Zimmer is already the third-winningest coach in Vikings history, behind Hall of Fame coach Bud Grant and Dennis Green. He told Pelissero last summer that he's feeling good, and that he doesn't see any reason he can't coach until he's 70. Before coming to Minnesota, Zimmer spent 20 seasons as an NFL assistant that included 14 seasons as a defensive coordinator. After 15 seasons in the college ranks, Zimmer landed his first NFL job in 1994, serving as an assistant on the Cowboys' defensive staff. The next season, as the team's defensive backs coach, Zimmer would coach a secondary that recorded five interceptions during Dallas' victories over Green Bay and Pittsburgh in the NFC playoffs. In Super Bowl XXX, one of his players -- cornerback Larry Brown -- took home MVP honors following the Cowboys' 27-17 victory over the Steelers.

Zimmer spent seven seasons as the Cowboys' defensive coordinator (2000-06) and one season as the Falcons' defensive coordinator (2007) before joining Marvin Lewis' staff in Cincinnati in 2008. Over the next six seasons, Zimmer helped the Bengals' defense turn into one of the NFL's better units. Cincinnati's defense would help the Bengals capture AFC North division titles in 2009 and in 2013.

In 2015, his second season as the Vikings' coach, Zimmer guided Minnesota to its first division title since 2009. The Vikings following that season up with three more winning seasons under Zimmer, who it appears will remain in Minnesota for the foreseeable future.

PUBLICATION: NFL.com DATE: 7/23/20

Mike Zimmer, Vikings finalizing multi-year extension

By Kevin Patra

Mike Zimmer won't enter a lame-duck season in Minnesota.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Wednesday that the Vikings are finalizing a multi-year contract extension with the 64-year-old coach, per sources informed of the situation.

Zimmer was entering the final year of his contract.

With a 59-41 record, including playoffs, Zimmer is the third-winningest coach in Vikings history behind Dennis Green (101-70) and legendary Bud Grant (161-99). The Vikings defense has been among the best units in the NFL since Zimmer took over in 2014, never ranking lower than 11th in points per game allowed and inside the top 10 each of the past five years.

In his six seasons as coach of the Vikes, Zimmer's squads have made the playoffs three times, including winning two NFC North Division crowns.

PUBLICATION: Maven Media DATE: 7/23/20

ESPN Ranks Vikings Second-Worst in NFL in Offseason Improvement

By Will Ragatz

It's hard to argue that the Vikings got better this offseason. They retained some key pieces – including Kirk Cousins – and had a very strong draft, but the exodus of veteran talent that occurred in March might make it hard for them to return to the playoffs in 2020.

With Stefon Diggs, Everson Griffen, Trae Waynes, Linval Joseph, , , and Xavier Rhodes departing via trade or free agency, the Vikings have a lot of re-loading to do. Adding Michael Pierce and Tajae Sharpe in free agency plus Justin Jefferson, Jeff Gladney and 13 other draft picks should help, but it might take a couple years for the rookies to truly hit their stride.

ESPN has taken that criticism to another level. They recently ranked the offseason improvement levels for all 32 teams, and the Vikings came in all the way down at No. 31, ahead of only the Rams.

Here's the explanation from writer Jeremy Fowler:

The Vikings are gambling on an infusion of young talent to offset the loss of serious veteran personnel. But Minnesota has enough cornerstones on the roster to get away with it. Diggs wanted out and had to go. A healthy Adam Thielen should have a monster year, and Jefferson is a threat from the slot or outside. Several NFL executives love the Pierce signing and feel he's an upgrade inside. The biggest question lies at cornerback, where Gladney has to produce in a hurry, because the other projected starter, Mike Hughes, has battled neck issues. The Vikings are putting a lot of stress on the safety tandem of Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris to get a young secondary organized.

I fully expected the Vikings to be towards the bottom of this list, but second-worst might be a tad bit harsh. We'll have to see how it pans out in what will be a unique season.

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The good news for the Vikings? They're not far behind their biggest division rival, the Packers, who check in at No. 27. The Lions and Bears are right in the middle at No. 15 and 16, respectively.

The Dolphins lead the way on ESPN's ranking, with the Bengals, Buccaneers, Colts, and Browns rounding out the top five. 10 of the top 12 teams are from the AFC, which is good for Minnesota. PUBLICATION: Maven Media DATE: 7/23/20

Justin Jefferson Among Wave of Vikings Draftees to Sign Rookie Contracts

By Will Ragatz

With rookies set to report to training camp on Thursday, the Vikings have begun to ramp up the process of officially signing their 2020 draft class. So far on Wednesday, rookie contracts have been signed (or terms agreed to, at least) by first-round pick Justin Jefferson, second-rounder Ezra Cleveland, fourth-rounders James Lynch and Troy Dye, fifth-rounder K.J. Osborn, and seventh-rounder .

With seventh-rounder having already signed his deal, seven of the team's 15 draft picks are now under contract or will be soon. More are expected to follow in short succession.

Justin Jefferson

On Wednesday morning, ESPN's Field Yates reported that the Vikings had agreed to terms with Jefferson, the former LSU receiver who they selected at No. 22 overall. Jefferson signed a fully guaranteed four-year, $13.1 million deal that includes a $7.1 million signing bonus. His 2020 cap hit is roughly $2.4 million, and will go up to $4.2 million in 2023.

Since Jefferson was a first-round pick, the Vikings will have the opportunity to exercise (or decline) his fifth-year option prior to the 2023 season. Jefferson is expected to be the Vikings' No. 2 receiver in 2020, and he is one of the most exciting young players on the roster.

Ezra Cleveland

Cleveland has signed a four-year, $5.5 million deal with roughly $3 million guaranteed and a $1.6 million signing bonus, according to Tom Pelissero. The No. 58 overall pick has a ton of upside, but probably isn't ready to start at left tackle right away. He is apparently open to taking some reps at guard in training camp, but we'll have to see if that's something the Vikings want to try.

James Lynch

Fourth-rounder Lynch has also signed his rookie deal. It's worth just shy of $4 million over four years, according to Chris Tomasson. Lynch also gets a $691,000 signing bonus. The 2019 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year could have a shot to start at three-technique for the Vikings as a rookie.

Troy Dye

Tomasson also broke the news earlier on Wednesday that the Vikings had signed Dye, one of their three fourth- round picks. His deal is very similar to Lynch's, given that he was taken two spots behind him (130 and 132 overall). The versatile, athletic linebacker from Oregon is an exciting prospect who might contribute mainly on special teams in year one.

K.J. Osborn

Osborn announced on his social media accounts that he had officially signed his rookie contract. It's a four-year, $3.6 million deal for the fifth-round pick out of Miami. Osborn is unlikely to contribute at receiver immediately, but he's the favorite to win the Vikings' punt returner job.

Kyle Hinton

Hinton hasn't signed yet, but Darren Wolfson has reported that the Vikings have agreed to terms with the seventh- round pick out of D-II Washburn. He'll sign on Thursday. Hinton was the 15th of 15 picks made by the Vikings, but he could turn out to be a steal. Tomasson has reported that the deal is worth $3.37 million over four years.

Including Stanley, the Vikings are almost halfway to signing the entire class. Expect more signings to be announced on Wednesday and Thursday as the team continues to get its rookies into the facility. PUBLICATION: Maven Media DATE: 7/23/20

Vikings Finalizing Multi-Year Contract Extension With Mike Zimmer

By Will Ragatz

The Vikings are finalizing a multi-year contract extension with head coach Mike Zimmer, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Zimmer was set to enter the final year of his contract with the Vikings, which he signed in 2016. Now, he has the security of knowing he'll be the coach in Minnesota for several years to come.

It's somewhat surprising that it took until the eve of rookies reporting to training camp for this deal to happen. Zimmer, who was hired by the Vikings in 2014, is the third-winningest coach in franchise history. A couple weeks ago, The Athletic's Chad Graff reported that the 64-year-old Zimmer was "irked by the fact that it’s now July and he remains without a new contract."

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Prior to the Vikings' upset win over the Saints in last year's divisional playoffs, Vikings president and co-owner Mark Wilf put out a statement that addressed the long-term futures of Zimmer and GM Rick Spielman. "We value Mike and Rick’s leadership and we have every intent of Mike continuing as the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings and Rick leading our football operations, next year and beyond," the statement said.

The Vikings surprised many by winning that game in New Orleans, although their playoff run ended next week at the hands of the eventual NFC champion 49ers.

Almost eight months later, Zimmer has a new deal, the details of which are not yet known.

We'll see if this means a new contract is coming soon for Spielman, who is generally regarded as one of the league's better GMs but is entering the final year of his current deal.

Zimmer is 57-38-1 in six years as the Vikings' head coach, with a 2-3 record in the playoffs. He inherited the NFL's worst defense and has turned it into a consistently excellent unit, including a top-five finish in either points or yards allowed in five of those six seasons.

He's had success through some difficult circumstances, including five offensive coordinators in six years and a number of unlucky events out of his control.

If Zimmer and the Vikings go 11-5 or better in 2020, he'll pass Dennis Green for second on the franchise's all-time win percentage list. The team lost some key pieces this offseason, but had a strong draft and is looking to build towards another playoff run in the coming years. PUBLICATION: Vikings Entertainment Network DATE: 7/23/20

Lunchbreak: Sharpe Projected to Be 'Most-Improved' Player on Vikings 2020 Roster

By Lindsey Young

Thus far, NFL coaches haven't been able to see their players practice in-person due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but that will change with the scheduled reporting of players to training camps this week and next.

The Vikings rookies and select veterans are scheduled to report on July 23, with the remaining veterans scheduled to arrive at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center on July 28.

When full-team practices start up, which players will stand out as their roster's most-improved?

NFL Network's Cynthia Frelund recently took a stab at answering that question for each NFC team. For Minnesota, she highlighted wide receiver Tajaé Sharpe, whom the Vikings signed in free agency. Frelund opined that Sharpe will take a step forward in 2020 after spending his first four seasons in Tennessee. She wrote:

Last season, the Vikings threw 12 touchdowns of 10-plus air yards to players aligned wide, per [Next Gen Stats], and while the team did draft Justin Jefferson, there should still be snaps to be had in the wake of Stefon Diggs' trade to Buffalo. In an offseason that included big-name wideouts changing teams and a very deep receiver class in the draft, Sharpe's signing in Minnesota did not draw many headlines, but the veteran was an actively sought-after free agent. The teams I spoke to that were interested in him consistently brought up his ability when aligning wide, something the former fifth-round pick did on 76 percent of snaps as a Titan last season, per NGS.

As for the Vikings division rivals, Frelund pointed to Bears defensive end Akiem Hicks, Packers safety Adrian Amos and Lions receiver Kenny Golladay, who has improved each season since entering the league in 2017. Last season, he racked up 1,190 yards and 11 touchdowns en route to his first career Pro Bowl appearance.

Adam Thielen and Tajaé Sharpe Meet Online, Face Off In "Know Your Opponent" Trivia Minnesota is currently slated to face Golladay at U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 9 and at Detroit in Week 17.

NGS shows that Golladay earned the second-most yards on deep targets in the NFL last season (546), which is even more impressive when you consider he averaged the fewest yards of separation on all targets (only 1.9 yards) among those with a minimum of 50 targets. With QB Matthew Stafford returning from an injury that cost him eight games in 2019 and [Offensive Coordinator] Darrell Bevell projecting to have more run-pass play-calling balance … it's reasonable to expect Golladay to work with more separation – and that typically correlates with a better catch rate. Given his deep-ball results even in tough circumstances, the increase in quality targets coming his way drives an increase in forecasted production.

Jeff Gladney College Highlights CBS Sports tabs CB as Vikings most-important training camp battle

When Verizon Vikings Training Camp gets underway at TCO Performance Center, keep your eyes on the cornerback position.

Three established corners – Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander – departed this offseason, leaving the position group young and relatively unexperienced.

CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin took a look at the NFC North and pointed out each team's "most important position battles" heading into training camp. He said the Vikings focus should be on the secondary, since it's hard to "replace three-fifths of your starting secondary with a snap of the fingers." Benjamin wrote:

First-round pick Jeff Gladney figures to make a nice transition to the slot CB role, and former first-rounder Mike Hughes has the wherewithal to man an outside job. The depth, however, is a total unknown. Third-rounder Cameron Dantzler, fifth-rounder Harrison Hand and reserve holdover Holton Hill will be fighting for big roles this summer, especially considering the Vikings pass rush also took a hit with the loss of Everson Griffen.

Benjamin said the biggest position battle in Chicago will be at quarterback, where the Bears brought in Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles via trade to compete with 2017 first-round draft pick Mitchell Trubisky.

In Detroit, Benjamin expects some solid competition between running backs Kerryon Johnson and D'Andre Swift, whom the Lions drafted 35th overall.

And in Green Bay, Benjamin highlighted the receiver spot.

Davante Adams is a borderline top-five wideout when healthy, but even if you lump the tight ends into this group as potential pass catchers for [Aaron] Rodgers, you're left with a whole lot of uncertainty for a team that'll be vying to replicate its 13-win 2019.

Allen Lazard is penciled in as the No. 2 WR opposite Adams, and his numbers were serviceable for a former undrafted backup-turned-spot starter. Ideally, however, Green Bay would have one of its other vets push him down the depth chart. Marquez Valdes-Scantling flashed big-play ability but had an awful catch percentage in 2019. Equanimeous St. Brown's promising rookie year seems like ages ago.

Benjamin pointed out that Devin Funchess, whom the Packers signed as a free agent, "might have the best chance of breaking out as a red-zone target."