The Minnesota Vikings rounded out their special teams unit on Tuesday by inking a former six-time All-Pro to the roster.
Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune reported on March 17 that Minnesota signed punter Johnny Hekker, most recently of the Tennessee Titans, to a short-term contract.
“The #Vikings have a new punter; they’re signing former [Los Angeles] Rams punter Johnny Hekker to a one-year deal,” Goessling wrote on X. “He’s the third former All-Pro in the Vikings’ special teams unit, joining Andrew DePaola and Will Reichard.”
DePaola, Minnesota’s long snapper, has been an All-Pro in each of the past four seasons. Reichard, the team’s placekicker, was an All-Pro in 2025 on the strength of 33-of-35 made field goals and 31-of-31 made extra point tries. The only two kicks Reichard missed last season were two of his 13 field goal attempts from 50-plus yards.
Hekker, who will play next season at age 36, earned all six of his All-Pro nods as a member of the Rams between 2013-18, spanning the franchise’s last three years in St. Louis and first three seasons back in L.A.
He left the Rams organization following the 2021 campaign and played three seasons for the Carolina Panthers before spending last year in Tennessee. Hekker is the NFL’s active leader in total punts (1,041) and punt yards (48,705). His career average is 46.8 yards per boot.
Hekker has earned more than $32.5 million over his 14-year career through 2025.
Vikings Also Signed Former Bills Offensive Lineman Ryan Van Demark on St. Patrick’s Day
GettyFormer Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark (left).
Hekker was not the only player Minnesota added to the roster on Tuesday. The team also inked a former Buffalo Bills offensive lineman, though it is a unique situation and the Vikings don’t have him fully locked in just yet.
“The Vikings have signed OT Ryan Van Demark, a restricted free agent who has started six games for the Bills over the past two seasons, to an offer sheet,” Kevin Seifert of ESPN reported on X. “The Bills have the right of first refusal, but the Vikings wouldn’t owe the Bills any draft pick compensation if they don’t.”
Van Demark, who will play next season at the age of 28, spent the last several years in Buffalo after joining the team and league as an undrafted rookie in 2022.
His status as a restricted free agent means that the Bills can match the $3.52 million offer sheet Minnesota sent Van Demark on Tuesday, or they can decide to pass on that option and allow the left tackle to join the Vikings’ roster.
Should the latter occur, Van Demark will likely serve as the primary backup to Christian Darrisaw who has missed 17 games over the past two years due to knee injuries.
Vikings Likely to Sign Another QB to Join Kyler Murray, JJ McCarthy
GettyMinnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy.
While it is unlikely to happen Tuesday, Minnesota is eventually going to sign a third quarterback to play alongside JJ McCarthy and new addition Kyler Murray — or, at least, that is what most league insiders and analysts expect.
Alec Lewis of The Athletic wrote recently that it “would be a surprise” if the Vikings don’t add another signal-caller, noting that a veteran with a long history as a proven starter makes the most sense.
Lewis mentioned “mutual interest” between Minnesota and Carson Wentz, who started five games for the team last year after signing on late in the preseason to serve as McCarthy’s backup QB.
Vikings Sign 6-Time All-Pro Specialist in Latest Offseason Move