The Minnesota Vikings have been shedding salaries so far this offseason but retained a key player from last year. The Vikings showed their commitment to special teams stability by re-signing long snapper Andrew DePaola. The two sides agreed to a one-year contract worth $1.725 million. While it might not make the biggest headlines, this move secures a foundational piece of the Vikings’ roster for the upcoming season.
Minnesota Vikings Retain LS Andrew DePaola
You rarely hear a long snapper’s name during a broadcast, and that is exactly how they want it. A quiet game means a perfect game. DePaola is a master of his craft and a true standout at his position. The 12-year NFL veteran brings a sparkling resume back to Minnesota.
He earned Pro Bowl selections in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Beyond the Pro Bowl, he also achieved All-Pro status for four consecutive seasons. The league named him a First-Team All-Pro in 2022 and 2024, and a Second-Team All-Pro in 2023 and 2025. You simply do not find this level of sustained, elite performance very often. He is undoubtedly one of the best in the business, giving the Vikings a massive advantage on special teams.
The Glue of the Special Teams Unit
Every successful extra point, field goal, or punt begins with a flawless snap. DePaola provides that crucial first step with machine-like consistency. His return to Minnesota takes on massive importance this year because of changes elsewhere on the roster.
The Vikings recently watched their punter and holder, Ryan Wright, leave for a lucrative contract with the New Orleans Saints. This departure breaks up a highly successful kicking operation. Fortunately, the team still has kicker Will Reichard, who is coming off a phenomenal 2025 season. When you introduce a new holder into the mix, the timing can easily fall out of sync. Keeping DePaola ensures that Reichard will still receive the same familiar, perfectly placed snaps he relies on. This continuity will make the transition to a new holder significantly smoother and keep the kicking game operating at peak efficiency.
Strategic Roster Implications
From a big-picture perspective, retaining DePaola represents a highly strategic financial decision. The Vikings are currently managing a tight salary cap situation. They need to allocate their funds carefully across the entire depth chart. By locking in their All-Pro long snapper at a reasonable $1.725 million, the front office buys valuable flexibility.
Because they know the snapping operation is completely secure, they do not need to panic and overpay for a premium free-agent punter. Instead, they can comfortably evaluate cheaper veteran options or look toward the upcoming NFL Draft to find their next punter. They can trust that a rookie punter will have the best possible support system in place from day one.
In the highly competitive NFC North, division games often come down to a single field goal in the final seconds. You need a snapper who handles pressure with ease. DePaola has proven time and again that he can deliver a perfect spiral when the game is on the line. We can easily overlook these small details, but coaches and general managers know they separate good teams from great teams. By keeping Andrew DePaola in the fold, the Minnesota Vikings eliminate a major variable and set their special teams unit up for continued success.
