Takeaways from Week 1 of Vikings Training Camp
The Minnesota Vikings are officially through their first week of training camp, and a number of storylines have already formed from the first few practices.
Today, we’re going to go over a few of the major takeaways from Week 1 of the Vikings training camp.
Danielle Hunter Gets New Deal
After holding out of mandatory minicamp during the spring, Danielle Hunter reported to training camp on Tuesday, but he was a hold in for the first few practices. He was in the building, but he was not present on the field during any of the workouts.
That changed on Sunday when Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that Hunter has received a new one-year deal worth $20 million to stay in a Vikings uniform for the 2023 season. He will hit free agency in the spring, but this allows some extra time for the two sides to discuss a new long-term contract.
Joejuan Williams Gets Starting Reps
The Vikings cornerback position could end up looking multiple different ways by the time training camp ends. However, an early development at camp has been the emergence of Joejuan Williams getting run with the starters. The 2019 second-round pick has largely been a reserve during his first four NFL seasons (missing the entirety of the 2022 campaign with injury). Considering he has terrific length at 6’3″ and has experience in a Bill Belichick defensive scheme, Williams has a shot at emerging in 2023.
Jordan Addison… the Punt Returner?
We all expected Jordan Addison to compete for the WR2 role in Minnesota when the Vikings selected him with the 23rd overall pick this spring. However, it seems that the rookie will be competing for another role on the Vikings roster this summer: punt returner. Addison was warming up with both Jalen Reagor and Thayer Thompson this week, getting reps catching punts.
During his collegiate career, Addison returned 18 punts for 219 yards, averaging 12.2 yards per return. Considering Reagor’s struggles at the spot last season, it makes sense for Minnesota to try and get better in this area during the 2023 season.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.