Minnesota Vikings make key signing to fill a crucial position that you don’t always think about

It’s the reason why the Vikings kept Ryan Wright for so long.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Dec 21, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams kicker Matt Gay (8) kicks a 35-yard field goal out of the hold of punter Johnny Hekker (6) in the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at SoFi Stadium. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 20-10.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Going into the second wave of free agency, there was an expectation that the Minnesota Vikings would start to be a little more active. It’s not that they will be targeting players who will be expensive, but they still have holes to fill on the roster.

One hole that they filled on Tuesday was at punter. Ryan Wright had signed with the New Orleans Saints during free agency, and he had been with the team for the last four years. Having that kind of continuity is huge, and replacing him wouldn’t be an easy task.

Minnesota Vikings sign punter Johnny Hekker

Head coach Kevin O’Connell has been known to sign players who used to play for him. It’s been that way since he took the job, and he’s found another former Los Angeles Rams player to join the Vikings, as they signed punter Johnny Hekker to a deal.

It might not be continuity with the Vikings organization or the players, but Hekker spent two seasons with O’Connell, as they were both members of the Rams in 2020 and 2021. During his career that started in 2012, Hekker has been a Pro Bowler four times, first-team All-Pro four times, and second-team All-Pro another two times. Unfortunately for the Vikings, he hasn’t achieved any of those since the 2018 season.

Last season for the Tennessee Titans, Hekker finished 22nd in yards/punt (46.8), 26th in net yards/punt (40.3), and 31st in percentage of punts inside the 20 yard line (28.2%). Those aren’t great numbers, but the Vikings didn’t sign him because he was a great punter. He was added due to his ability as a holder, where he is viewed as one of the best in the NFL.

Being a good holder was the main reason why Wright stayed on as long as he did, because his punting was very inconsistent. With Hekker in the fold, it gives the Vikings a good holder, and a former All-Pro at all three specialist positions.

Plus, Hekker has the ability and flair for the fake punt, which O’Connell might want to use to his advantage.

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