The Minnesota Vikings are reportedly in talks with the New England Patriots about holding joint practice sessions in August 2025. These practices, pending approval from the NFL, could be a valuable opportunity for both teams to sharpen their skills before the season kicks off. The Vikings would join the Patriots and Washington Commanders in a unique preseason format, providing high-intensity sessions ahead of the regular season.
Joint practices provide a unique challenge for teams to face off against new, unfamiliar opponents. They simulate the physical and mental demands of game day without the full intensity of a real game. This is an opportunity for the Vikings to test their roster in competitive situations, particularly for key positions like quarterback, where J.J. McCarthy’s role is still under discussion.
In a big move, the Vikings have re-signed running back Aaron Jones to a two-year, $20 million deal. This contract extension signals Minnesota’s commitment to maintaining a strong rushing attack for the upcoming season. Jones, known for his dynamic running style and ability to catch passes out of the backfield, adds depth to a Vikings offense aiming to become more balanced.
Jones’s presence in the backfield allows the Vikings to establish a powerful running game, which will be essential for taking pressure off their quarterback and offensive line. As a dual-threat running back, Jones’s ability to break big runs and serve as a reliable target in the passing game will be crucial to their offensive scheme under head coach Kevin O’Connell.
Alongside Jones, the Vikings have added running back Jordan Mason, acquired from the San Francisco 49ers. Mason brings a different dynamic to the Vikings’ backfield. His toughness and ability to grind out yards in tough situations make him an ideal complement to the explosive playmaking ability of Jones.
Mason’s skill set aligns with what the Vikings look for in a running back. His ability to find holes and move the chains on short-yardage situations gives the Vikings another versatile weapon to deploy. Additionally, his familiarity with a physical run-first system under the 49ers means he’ll be ready to step in immediately, potentially sharing carries with Jones to keep both backs fresh throughout the season.
The Vikings have made a strategic move to enhance their team’s health and overall performance by hiring Ben Hawkins as the team’s new Head Performance Dietitian. Hawkins’s hiring signals the Vikings’ growing commitment to improving player recovery, nutrition, and overall well-being, all of which are critical for maintaining peak performance throughout a grueling NFL season.
Hawkins’s role is to oversee the Vikings’ nutritional strategies, ensuring that players are getting the right fuel for recovery and performance. Proper diet plays a key role in reducing injury risks and optimizing energy levels, both of which are essential for a team hoping to compete for a Super Bowl. With the demands of a 17-game regular season, player health has never been more critical.
The Vikings are increasingly focused on long-term health, not just short-term gains. By bringing Hawkins into the fold, the team is prioritizing player longevity, improving fitness routines, and helping players recover more efficiently. This could be an important factor in a league where injuries can derail a promising season.
Along with the player acquisitions and joint practice discussions, the Vikings have made significant strides in reshaping their coaching staff. The hiring of Hawkins is part of a broader effort to improve all aspects of the team, both on and off the field. The organization’s shift toward more holistic approaches to player health and performance shows a clear commitment to building a sustainable and competitive team.
As the Vikings continue to solidify their roster, the addition of key players like Jones and Mason, combined with the team’s focus on health and performance under Hawkins’ guidance, positions them well for the upcoming season. Their offense looks poised to be more balanced, with a strong running game that will complement their potent passing attack.
With preseason joint practices on the horizon and key roster changes already in motion, the Minnesota Vikings are positioning themselves as serious contenders in the NFC for 2025. As training camp approaches, the focus will turn to refining their systems, developing chemistry between players, and ensuring that all parts of the team—offense, defense, and special teams—are ready to perform at the highest level. The next few months will be critical in shaping their Super Bowl aspirations.