Next Vikings Move is to Re-Add an All Pro
Long snapper is the kind of position that doesn’t matter until it matters. Put differently, basically nobody notices until something goes wrong. Employing somebody who is quietly excellent is the preference.
As a result, the next Vikings move likely arrives as good news for the team’s fans (especially those who enjoy special teams).
Check out what ESPN’s Adam Schefter had to say: “Three-time Pro-Bowl long snapper Andrew DePaola is returning to the Minnesota Vikings on a one-year, fully-guaranteed $1.725 million deal.” Not long afterwards, Schefter adds, “DePaola now will be snapping for his 12th NFL season.”
Next Vikings Move Fills Roster Opening
Mr. DePaola is a charming, talented guy.
The long snapper has expressed a desire to keep playing for a little while. “I think there’s a day that will come for all of us, and I don’t see that day for me anytime soon. But I know it will come, and hopefully I have a clear head when it does,” he explained in training camp ahead of the 2025 season.
The 38-year-old isn’t going to play forever, but he has enough in his legs and lungs to snap the ball for at least another season.
Andrew DePaola stands at 6’1″ and 227 pounds. An ideal long snapper build roughly resembles that of a linebacker or tight end. Essentially, the snapper needs to be strong enough to withstand some rough stuff in the trenches while yet possessing the ability to hustle down the field in coverage.
So, a nice middle ground.
He has been around the NFL before settling into his job with the Vikings. Work with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gave way to opportunities with the Chicago Bears and Oakland Raiders (prior to the Las Vegas move). A brief stop in Carolina didn’t lead to much. Since 2020, DePaola has been a key specialist in Minnesota.
What’s been notable about recent seasons is that he has been the gold standard at his position. DePaola made the Pro Bowl from 2022 to 2024. He has been a first-team All Pro twice and second-team All Pro twice, all arriving in the past four seasons.
Kevin O’Connell and Matt Daniels got added. Since then, Andrew DePaola has been elite (or, at least, recognized as being elite).
Kicker Will Reichard is coming off a sizzling season. He’ll be back next year. Likewise, punter Ryan Wright did very well in 2025, but he’s taking off after landing good money in New Orleans.
More broadly, the roster would benefit from an add at running back. A strong WR3 makes some sense after Jalen Nailor skedaddled. More depth at linebacker, edge rusher, and corner wouldn’t hurt. Ditto for safety.
The granddaddy of ’em all: what’s going to take place at quarterback. Look for Kyler Murray to be added. What’s more mysterious is if there will be someone else. Outside shot at Geno Smith, Kirk Cousins, and/or others.
Much that remains uncertain. The good news is that Minnesota has re-signed Andrew DePaola, a team captain and excellent special teams player.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
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