Eric Kendricks
FILE - Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith (55) plays against the Detroit Lions during the first half of an NFL football game in Detroit, Dec. 13, 2020. The Green Bay Packers signed outside linebacker Preston Smith to a contract extension and released outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith and offensive lineman Billy Turner in a flurry of moves before the start of the free-agency period. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)
Vikings agree to 3-year, $42M deal with OLB Za'Darius Smith

By Dave Campbell Mar. 22, 2022 03:07 PM EDT

FILE - Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Michael Pierce (58) reacts during his introduction prior to an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 in Minneapolis. The Minnesota Vikings kept up their defensive line shuffle by finalizing the release of nose tackle Michael Pierce on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, for salary cap savings ahead of free agency. The seventh-year veteran played in only eight games for the team.(AP Photo/Stacy Bengs, File)
Vikings continue defensive shuffle by adding LB Jordan Hicks

By Dave Campbell Mar. 15, 2022 11:25 AM EDT

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) tries to break a tackle by Los Angeles Rams free safety Taylor Rapp (24) after catching a pass during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Vikings players look forward to new atmosphere, culture

By Dave Campbell Jan. 11, 2022 06:54 PM EST

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer, right, talks with down judge Derick Bowers (74) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Monday, Dec. 20, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)
Vikings seek new leadership, fire GM Spielman, coach Zimmer

By Dave Campbell Jan. 10, 2022 10:01 AM EST

Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy, center, walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Minneapolis. The Vikings won 31-17. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Vikings beat Bears 31-17; futures uncertain for Nagy, Zimmer

By Dave Campbell Jan. 09, 2022 04:19 PM EST

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) passes between Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Anthony Barr (55) and defensive end D.J. Wonnum during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 20, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Vikings host Bears with no playoff stakes, coach uncertainty

By The Associated Press Jan. 06, 2022 01:13 PM EST

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer is seen before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)
Playoff-less Vikings, Zimmer enter a week of uncertainty

By Dave Campbell Jan. 03, 2022 07:59 PM EST

Philadelphia Eagles' Dallas Goedert, right, makes a catch while Washington Football Team's Jeremy Reaves defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Eagles put 12 on COVID-19 list with playoff spot in hand

By The Associated Press Jan. 03, 2022 05:42 PM EST

A football fan sites bundled up in Soldier Field during the first half of an NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and the Minnesota Vikings Monday, Dec. 20, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Cousins throws for 2 touchdowns as Vikings beat Bears 17-9

By Andrew Seligman Dec. 20, 2021 11:41 PM EST

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins walks out onto the field before an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Monday, Dec. 20, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)
Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears 12/20/2021

Dec. 20, 2021 07:01 PM EST

Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) runs against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Dalvin Cook returns at RB for Vikings vs. Steelers

Dec. 09, 2021 07:19 PM EST

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer on the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Close-game expert Steelers visit snake-bitten Vikings

By Dave Campbell Dec. 08, 2021 06:19 PM EST

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer watches from the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Steelers face stumbling Vikings in rare Minnesota visit

By The Associated Press Dec. 08, 2021 05:28 PM EST

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrates his touchdown with teammate wide receiver K.J. Osborn (17) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Vikings leaning hard on Jefferson in quest to save season

By Brian Hall Dec. 07, 2021 08:37 PM EST

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer watches from the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Passive defense yields demise for Vikes, puts season on edge

By Dave Campbell Dec. 06, 2021 07:25 PM EST

Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby (2) celebrates with teammate Corey Bojorquez (7) after kicking a 54-yard field goal during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings 11/21/2021

Nov. 21, 2021 01:23 PM EST

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) catches a pass while defended by Los Angeles Chargers defensive back Tevaughn Campbell (20) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Go-for-it Vikings get results from increased aggression

By Dave Campbell Nov. 15, 2021 06:48 PM EST

Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Nick Vigil (59) puts pressure on Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10), who throws an incomplete pass during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Cousins throws 2 TDs, Vikings bounce back to beat Chargers

By Joe Reedy Nov. 14, 2021 07:49 PM EST

Fans use blue smoke outside of SoFi Stadium before an NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Chargers 11/14/2021

Nov. 14, 2021 03:31 PM EST

Seattle Seahawks' Russell Wilson looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
The Latest: Packers blank Seahawks, retake 1st place in NFC

By The Associated Press Nov. 14, 2021 11:16 AM EST