Xavier Rhodes
FILE - In this Feb. 28, 2020, file photo, Iowa offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis. Wirfs was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the NFL draft. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
49ers fill needs, Packers fall short on draft weekend

By Josh Dubow Apr. 26, 2020 02:38 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 28, 2019, file photo, LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson (2) runs against Oklahoma cornerback Woodi Washington (5) during the second half of the Peach Bowl NCAA semifinal college football playoff game in Atlanta. This year’s NFL draft features a superb group of wide receivers, including Jefferson, who are expected to make immediate impacts in the NFL.(AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)
Vikings draft LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson at No. 22

By Dave Campbell Apr. 23, 2020 11:05 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 23, 2019, file photo, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs warms up before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers in Minneapolis. Vikings general manager Rick Spielman's biggest move this off-season was trading Diggs to Buffalo for draft picks, giving the Vikings three extra selections this weekend including the 22nd overall choice in the first round.(AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King, File)
Spielman: Offseason losses 'a natural evolution of a roster'

By Dave Campbell Apr. 21, 2020 06:14 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 1, 2019, file photo, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) is shown on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Indianapolis. Brissett's role has changed. Indianapolis Colts coach Frank Reich doesn't believe anything else will with his now backup quarterback. Brissett lost the starting job two weeks ago when the Colts agreed to sign free agent Philip Rivers to a one-year contract. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)
Colts could still be in quarterback market on draft weekend

By Michael Marot Apr. 16, 2020 12:27 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 24, 2019, file photo, Washington Redskins quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) is sacked by Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Anthony Barr (55) during the second half of an NFL football game in Minneapolis. Barr was coach Mike Zimmer’s first draft pick, taken ninth overall in 2014. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Backed into a corner: Vikings must restock defense in draft

By Dave Campbell Apr. 16, 2020 12:08 PM EDT

With pair of 1st-round picks, Vikings face pressing CB need

By The Associated Press Apr. 15, 2020 10:40 AM EDT
22 and 25. MINNESOTA (11-7) LAST SEASON: Behind career-best season from QB Kirk Cousins, breakout year by RB Dalvin Cook, strong pass rush...

FILE - In this Oct. 27, 2017, file photo, Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes speaks to the media after taking part in an NFL training session at the London Irish rugby team training ground in the Sunbury-on Thames suburb of south west London. The salary-cap-strapped Minnesota Vikings have terminated the contracts of two long-time starters: nose tackle Linval Joseph and cornerback Xavier Rhodes. The move will clear more than $18.5 million off the team's salary cap. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File)
AP source: Colts continue building defense by signing Rhodes

By Michael Marot Mar. 26, 2020 07:12 PM EDT

FILE - In this Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 file photo, Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce (97) celebrates his fumble recovery with linebacker Tyus Bowser (54) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Baltimore. Michael Pierce has agreed to terms with the Minnesota Vikings, Wednesday, March 18, 2020. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)
Vikings will need heavy lift from new man in middle Pierce

By Dave Campbell Mar. 20, 2020 05:50 PM EDT

FILE - In this Jan. 11, 2020, file photo, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) catches a touchdown pass in front of San Francisco 49ers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (23) during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game in Santa Clara, Calif. A person with direct knowledge of the move confirms to The Associated Press that the Buffalo Bills have acquired Diggs in a trade with Vikings. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)
Vikings doing more subtracting than adding, so far

By Dave Campbell Mar. 18, 2020 08:42 PM EDT

Cap-strapped Vikings could lose several key players

By The Associated Press Mar. 17, 2020 06:49 PM EDT
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (11-7) UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DE Everson Griffen, CB Xavier Rhodes, DT Linval Joseph, CB Trae Waynes, CB Mackensie...

FILE - In this Nov. 17, 2019, file photo, Minnesota Vikings NFL quarterback Kirk Cousins throws against the Denver Broncos during an NFL football game in Minneapolis. The Vikings and Cousins have agreed to a two-year contract extension. Cousins' agent Mike McCartney made the announcement on his verified Twitter account. T (AP Photo/Jim Mone,File
Cousins, Vikings agree to 2-year, $66M contract extension

By Dave Campbell Mar. 16, 2020 10:27 AM EDT

FILE - In this May 25, 2016, file photo, Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Linval Joseph works out during NFL football practice in Eden Prairie, Minn. The salary-cap-strapped Minnesota Vikings have terminated the contracts of two long-time starters: nose tackle Linval Joseph and cornerback Xavier Rhodes. The move will clear more than $18.5 million off the team's salary cap. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig, File)
Vikings start cap space clearance by cutting Rhodes, Joseph

By Dave Campbell Mar. 13, 2020 03:20 PM EDT

FILE - In this Jan. 5, 2020, file photo, Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) warms up before an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans. Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen will become a free agent for the first time in his 11-year career. He's coming off a bounce-back season for the longest-tenured player on the team. Griffen has chosen to exercise his option to void the remaining three years on his contract, a person with knowledge of the decision confirmed to The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Brett Duke, File)
AP source: Vikings DE Griffen to void deal, hit free agency

By Dave Campbell Feb. 20, 2020 02:13 PM EST

Packers poach DB coach Gray from division rival Vikings

Jan. 29, 2020 02:44 PM EST
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Green Bay Packers named Jerry Gray defensive backs coach Wednesday, picking off an assistant who spent the past six seasons with NFC...

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) passes against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Vikings pick up 5 additions to Pro Bowl, including Cousins

By Dave Campbell Jan. 21, 2020 03:53 PM EST

NFL Football Commissioner Roger Goodell, left, talks with Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer before an NFL divisional playoff football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Vikings, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers 1/11/2020

Jan. 11, 2020 04:05 PM EST

Minnesota Vikings middle linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) returns a fumble during the first half against the Green Bay Packers in an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 23, 2019, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
Vikings must face Saints without CBs Alexander, Hughes

By Dave Campbell Jan. 03, 2020 03:31 PM EST

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is about to be sacked by Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 23, 2019, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
Vikings embrace underdog status in playoffs, prep for Saints

By Dave Campbell Dec. 30, 2019 06:26 PM EST

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer watches from the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Packers' Rodgers, Vikings coach Zimmer set to face off again

Dec. 19, 2019 07:31 PM EST

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) leaps over Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) during the first half of a NFL football preseason game, Aug. 15, 2019, in Baltimore. The play was called back on a penalty on the Ravens. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
ON Football: A how-to guide to getting to the Super Bowl

By Barry Wilner Dec. 18, 2019 02:12 AM EST