📊 Cap reality is tight: about $37 million over the 2026 cap, ranking 30th in the NFL. That could make it tough to keep every free agent, but cuts and restructures in the coming months should still allow Minnesota to retain some of its best players.
🔥 One name trending to stay in Minnesota is four-time All-Pro long snapper Andrew DePaola. He’s earned All-Pro honors in each of the last four seasons and is the NFLPA rep, a veteran voice the team clearly values. If Matt Daniels remains the special teams coordinator, DePaola is likely to remain as the long snapper.
📊 Market notes: Long snappers don’t typically cash in big money, with the highest APY currently around $1.65 million. DePaola sits about 18th in APY right now, but his standout play could push him toward becoming the highest-paid long snapper if he stays with the Vikings.
🧳 DePaola’s journey: Undrafted in 2012, he bounced from the Bucs to the Bears, Panthers, and Raiders before finding his groove with Minnesota. He exploded onto the scene with Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in 2022.
⏳ Age and durability: At 38, he’s nearing 40, but long snappers often age well thanks to lower physical wear. He’s among a small pack of LSs aging toward 40, like Morgan Cox, JJ Jansen, and Jon Weeks.
🔥 Takeaway: Retaining DePaola appears to be a clear priority for Minnesota, and given his impact and leadership, he could become the most valuable and possibly the highest-paid long snapper in the league if he stays. Vikings fans should be stoked about keeping a steady, elite special-teams anchor as the roster takes shape.
