The Minnesota Vikings are out here making big moves, and let’s just say, they’re not messing around. With the 2025 season creeping up, the team is stacking up talent to stay competitive in the league. They’ve been busy in free agency, locking in some serious upgrades. But one signing, in particular, stands out—not just because of the name but because of the impact it’s about to have on the squad.

The Vikings just snagged Ryan Kelly on a two-year, $18 million deal, and yeah, that’s a major win. The dude’s been a rock for the Colts‘ O-line for nearly a decade, and now, he’s bringing all that experience to Minnesota. Kelly himself couldn’t be more hyped, saying, “It seems like from the outside perspective, as the team is so closely knit, the entire organization is on the same page as far as enhancing the player’s perspective of the game, everyday life, the family life, just the most well-rounded team as far as organization and players in general.” That’s high praise coming from a guy who’s seen it all in the league.

Ryan Kelly’s résumé speaks for itself—four Pro Bowls, a second-team All-Pro selection, and 124 career starts. That’s the kind of leadership and skill that doesn’t come around every day. He was also a team captain for the Colts the past two seasons, so you already know he’s bringing that leadership energy to the locker room. And he’s already vibing with the new squad, saying, “Everybody cannot stop talking about how much they love Minneapolis and the Vikings especially. So, we’re just fired up.”

But Kelly isn’t the only big addition. The Vikings have been cooking in free agency, signing offensive guard Will Fries (five years, $87.7M), defensive linemen Jonathan Allen (three years, $51M) and Javon Hargrave (two years, $30M), and cornerbacks Isaiah Rodgers and Tavierre Thomas. Oh, and they also picked up Jeff Okudah on a one-year deal to strengthen their secondary. Basically, they’re building a squad that means business.

Ryan Kelly’s role is gonna be huge—he’s not just here to snap the ball and chill. His ability to read defenses, make real-time adjustments, and hold down the line is gonna make life way easier for the Vikings’ quarterback. Plus, he’s the kind of veteran who can help young linemen step up their game. “Just wild. I mean, putting on purple for the first time in my career, running out of a tunnel in a completely different city than what I’m used to, but also having known that this was the perfect place for me to be and having a jumpstart to a freaking awesome season. It’s gold, baby.” Yeah, this dude is pumped, and honestly, so are the Vikings fans.

Minnesota made this move for a reason—their offensive line needed an upgrade, and Kelly is the perfect fit. Protecting the quarterback is priority number one, and Kelly’s experience in high-pressure situations will be a game-changer. With him in the mix, the offense should be a lot more efficient, giving the team a better shot at making plays both in the air and on the ground.

As the 2025 season gets closer, it’s clear the Vikings aren’t just aiming to be decent—they want to make a real playoff push. And Kelly? He’s all in. “I mean, I never thought I’d be saying that in my career, but here we are, and I have never been more excited to be part of this organization, play for Kevin, play for everybody, play for the city, and learn what it means to be a Viking, man. Just fired up to be here.”

With all the moves they’ve made, the Vikings are looking stacked and ready to roll. The only question now? How far can they take it?

Rodgers’ future is in the Vikings’ hands, but do they even want him?

Aaron Rodgers just can’t stay out of the headlines, huh? The dude went from being the Jets’ supposed savior to job hunting after New York decided to cut ties following a brutal 5-12 season. Now, the million-dollar question (or more like a $50 million question) is—where does he go next? Retirement? One last shot at a ring? Or does he follow in Brett Favre’s footsteps and take his talents to Minnesota? The Vikings might be his best shot at staying in the game, but there’s just one tiny problem—they’re not exactly begging him to join.

Reports say Rodgers is seriously eyeing the Vikings. Even willing to take a contract in the same range as Sam Darnold’s three-year, $110.5 million deal with Seattle. But Minnesota? They’re kinda playing hard to get. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler straight-up said that while Rodgers to the Vikings is “possible,” it’s also “unlikely”—mostly because JJ McCarthy is their guy. The rookie QB didn’t even get to play last season thanks to a torn meniscus. But the Vikings are betting big on him. And honestly? With his 27-1 record at Michigan and a national championship under his belt, can you blame them?

That’s not to say the Vikings aren’t thinking about Rodgers at all. They haven’t completely shut the door, but they’re also not rolling out the red carpet either. The team dropped serious cash on improving their O-line (hello, Ryan Kelly and Will Fries), making it pretty clear they’re all-in on developing McCarthy rather than taking a short-term risk on Rodgers. Plus, they’re trying to play it smart with their cap space and future draft picks—something that would definitely take a hit if they signed an aging QB on a massive deal.

So why haven’t the Vikings just ended the rumors already? Simple—they’re keeping their options open. You never know what’s gonna happen in the NFL, and if things go south with McCarthy, maybe Rodgers suddenly looks like a decent backup plan. But right now? The Vikings’ actions say they’re focused on the future, not a one-season experiment.

At the end of the day, this isn’t really about the Vikings—it’s about Rodgers running out of options. If Minnesota doesn’t take him, where does he go? The Steelers? The Giants? Retirement? It’s wild to think that a four-time MVP could actually be facing the end of the road. And if that’s the case? Well, his NFL future is officially in Kevin O’Connell’s hands.