Lost in the Shuffle, A Young Vikings Pass Catcher Takes Off for New Gig
In fairness, the tight end position is sorting through a logjam. Was there really room for the young Vikings pass catcher to emerge in 2026?
Ben Sims was an undrafted talent who got his first chance in the league with the Vikings. He then got brought back last year to shore up the ailing depth. Apparently, there wasn’t room to keep him around. The update courtesy of Tom Pelissero: “The Dolphins are signing TE Ben Sims to a one-year deal, per The Insiders.”
Young Vikings Pass Catcher Now a Dolphin
Can’t blame Mr. Sims.
Journeying down to Miami means getting a fresh chance. The Dolphins are moving into a new era due to the change to the team’s coaching staff alongside the decision to cut Tua Tagovailoa. Adding Malik Willis means building around a still-young, talented quarterback who could follow in the footsteps of Geno Smith, Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, and Daniel Jones. Not a bad opportunity, all things considered.
So far, Sims has had a few stops since getting into the league in the spring of 2023. His stops so far:
- Minnesota Vikings (2023)
- Green Bay Packers (2023-2025)
- Minnesota Vikings (2025)
- Miami Dolphins (2026)
Life isn’t always easy for an undrafted depth tight end. Oftentimes, there’s an annual process of needing to find a new home before competing for a roster spot.
Ben Sims has put up modest statistics in his career. Added all together, Sims has tossed up 11 receptions, 93 yards, and 1 touchdown within his career. In 2025 with the Vikings, Sims played in eight games while starting a pair. He turned 6 targets into 3 receptions for 30 yards. A pair of those receptions went for a 1st down.
With the Dolphins, Mr. Sims will need to show a couple things. First, there’s a need to demonstrate that he can help on specials. Living within the TE3 spot is next to impossible unless one can block and tackle on specials.
There’s then the ability to shine as a TE3 (depending on who you ask, Johnny Mundt is the gold standard). Once on the field, Ben Sims needs to hustle. Block like crazy. When the rare opportunity arises, catch the ball and don’t dare fumble.
In Minnesota, the tight end depth is ample.
Sitting atop the pile is T.J. Hockenson. At best, Hockenson is a difference maker who is tough to hang with in coverage. Too large for a defensive back; too much athleticism for a linebacker. That’s the shtick for the TE1 and it’s a good one. Recently, Hockenson has become a better blocker, too.
Minnesota can then turn toward Josh Oliver, Ben Yurosek, Gavin Bartholomew, and Bryson Nesbit. Quite possibly, another option or two will get added. Hockenson and Oliver are assured of roster spots. Where there’s intense competition is at TE3 alongside a possible TE4 job.
Depending on how things go, Ben Sims could become the tight end version of Cam Akers. Seldom kept, Sims could be the tight end who is acquired on an annual basis to function as emergency help once the bumps of bruises of NFL life take effect.
The Vikings and Dolphins are scheduled to play in the 2026 NFL season.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
