Best Caleb Howell Podcasts (2025)

1
Vikings mailbag: Dallas Turner's time? Plan without Blake Cashman? Sacking Michael Penix Jr.? 25:10

Play Pause

2h ago25:10

25:10

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about linebacker Blake Cashman's absence, the pass rush matchup versus the Falcons' Michael Penix Jr. on Sunday night, receiver Adam Thielen's role, and more ahead of Vikings-Falcons.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker

1
Vikings defense dealing with key injuries as talented Falcons come to town 26:05

1h ago26:05

26:05

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview Sunday night's Vikings-Falcons matchup that will bring intrigue on both sides of the ball. They discuss the issues and ailments to key defenders like Blake Cashman, Andrew Van Ginkel and Harrison Smith, the 2024 draft class with J.J. McCarthy and Michael Penix Jr., Kirk Cousins returning, and m…

1
J.J. McCarthy needs one Vikings start to show lauded intangibles 28:29

1h ago28:29

28:29

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' 27-24 win after returning from Chicago, where quarterback J.J. McCarthy had a historic fourth quarter in his NFL debut. What did teammates and coaches say about McCarthy afterward? What went wrong in the first three quarters? When is Christian Darrisaw coming back? They also discus…

1
Vikings mailbag: Adam Thielen's role? Cornerback help? Brian Flores vs. Caleb Williams? 32:55

2d ago32:55

32:55

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings-related questions about receiver Adam Thielen, the cornerback depth chart, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, and the latest on ailments for safety Harrison Smith and tackle Christian Darrisaw.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker

1
Ready or not, Vikings begin J.J. McCarthy era in Chicago on Monday night 31:41

4d ago31:41

31:41

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview Monday night's season opener in Chicago, where Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will return to face his hometown team in his first NFL start. How will he manage the emotions? How will the Vikings manage him? And what should be expected in the matchup of makeovers between the Vikings defense an…

1
Talking Adam Thielen's return, 53-man roster, and J.J. McCarthy from the Minnesota State Fair 48:11

10d ago48:11

48:11

From the Star Tribune booth at the Minnesota State Fair, Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss Adam Thielen returning to the Vikings, the initial 53-man roster, remaining work to do, and how the young J.J. McCarthy is set up to fare in the NFC North.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker

1
Vikings shake up QB depth chart, signing Carson Wentz and trading Sam Howell 25:09

16d ago25:09

25:09

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker break down the Vikings' recent flurry of moves that included trading quarterback Sam Howell to the Eagles and signing free agent veteran Carson Wentz as their new backup. They discuss the Vikings' many ties to Wentz, including QBs coach Josh McCown and center Ryan Kelly, that may help explain the move.…

1
Justin Jefferson practicing again, but Vikings need receiver help with roster cuts looming 45:04

19d ago45:04

45:04

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the state of the Vikings receiving corps about two weeks away from Week 1. Do they need to add a veteran starter? Who's available? And what other injury concerns are still lingering with training camp mostly over? They also open the mailbag and answer your questions about camp surprises, Aaron …

1
Vikings rest starters but emerge from preseason loss with QB, WR questions 20:08

26d ago20:08

20:08

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they saw and heard during and after Saturday's 20-12 preseason loss to the New England Patriots. What do they make of the Vikings resting 31 players, including all 22 starters? What about Sam Howell's lackluster performance and more uncertainty at backup QB? Receiver depth is also a questi…

1
Recapping Vikings-Patriots joint practices: J.J. McCarthy shines, Stefon Diggs makes noise 22:23

25d ago22:23

22:23

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the second day of Vikings-Patriots joint practices at TCO Performance Center in Eagan, which saw J.J. McCarthy give one of his best performances of camp. They also discuss the return of WR Stefon Diggs, the former Vikings draft pick, Saturday's game plan and some injury updates.…

1
J.J. McCarthy returns with most Vikings starters in preseason win over Texans 23:14

1M ago23:14

23:14

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap the important parts of the Vikings' preseason opener against the Houston Texans. How did J.J. McCarthy look? Why did some starters play and others didn't? How bad is Rondale Moore's knee injury? And who stood out with the second and third units?By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker

1
Former Vikings safety Anthony Harris joins the show, Jordan Addison suspended 1:01:49

1M ago1:01:49

1:01:49

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker first discuss receiver Jordan Addison's 3-game suspension and where the Vikings go from here. Is Adam Thielen an option? They also open the mailbag and answer your questions about J.J. McCarthy vs. Sam Darnold, preseason action, etc. Then Ben and Andrew are joined by ex-Vikings safety Anthony Harris to…

1
How much will Vikings play J.J. McCarthy in the preseason? 24:50

1M ago24:50

24:50

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the latest from Vikings training camp. QB J.J. McCarthy returns to the field in Saturday's preseason opener vs. the Texans. How much will he play? Who will play alongside him? What, exactly, caused a recent pause at practice when Kevin O'Connell had to intervene? And which players made Ben's in…

1
Vikings mailbag: Judging camp performances? J.J. McCarthy's growth? Cornerback depth? 45:16

1M ago45:16

45:16

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about judging training camp performances, quarterback J.J. McCarthy's development, offensive line health, defensive dominance, cornerback depth, and more.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker

1
Hall of Fame voter Mark Craig on Vikings legend Jared Allen's induction, career stories and the 2025 class 33:05

1M ago33:05

33:05

Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker are joined by Star Tribune NFL writer and Pro Football Hall of Fame voter Mark Craig, who is in Canton, Ohio for former Vikings great Jared Allen's induction. How does Allen feel now about his wait to get into the Hall? Who's the next Viking to get in?By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker

1
J.J. McCarthy's education, early surprises and more camp takeaways 27:14

1M ago27:14

27:14

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they've seen and heard through the first week of Vikings training camp. It all begins with young QB J.J. McCarthy against a veteran-laden defense that got after him during Monday's first day of padded practices. How does the team structure practices to get the most out of him? What about t…

1
Vikings' retooled offensive line inching toward debut as training camp begins 43:52

2M ago43:52

43:52

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they heard from Tuesday's news conference with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell on the day that veterans reported for training camp. When will we see the new O-line together? What about J.J. McCarthy's outlook? Will Josh Metellus practice if he's not newly …

1
Identifying the Vikings' core players around J.J. McCarthy 53:07

3M ago53:07

53:07

Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker attempt to identify the core of players the Vikings have established around young quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Who makes their lists of the top 15 players under contract for at least the next two seasons?By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker

1
Vikings mailbag: Position battles? RB split? Judging J.J. McCarthy? 56:08

3M ago56:08

56:08

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the offseason mailbag that's overflowing with your questions. They start with the outlook at safety, where they're replacing Cam Bynum, as well as whether rookie Tai Felton can earn playing time. What about the home run power at running back? How much less will Aaron Jones play? And how are the Vi…

1
Vikings wrap offseason early; takeaways from McCarthy to Darrisaw 31:47

3M ago31:47

31:47

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they saw and heard at the Vikings' three-day mandatory minicamp that ended the offseason program. Kevin O'Connell gave everyone an extra week off, J.J. McCarthy is learning atop a fluid QB depth chart, Christian Darrisaw makes an early return, their three-receiver set is meshing but they w…

1
Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah joins the show to chat new contract, 2025 expectations and J.J. McCarthy 27:03

3M ago27:03

27:03

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker are joined by Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. They discuss his new contract extension, lessons on the job, 2025 expectations, quarterback J.J. McCarthy and his unique situation, NFL players in the 2028 Olympics, and more.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker

1
The J.J. McCarthy to Justin Jefferson connection, Vikings' D-line 'waves,' and more 36:31

3M ago36:31

36:31

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they saw and heard from receiver Justin Jefferson, defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, new cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and more following Monday's OTA session in Eagan.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker

1
Vikings OTAs begin with focus on QB J.J. McCarthy and a retooled defense 40:06

3M ago40:06

40:06

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker return from the first spring practice open to reporters and discuss QB J.J. McCarthy's development, where the new guys are fitting in, and what position battles should be getting the most attention this summer.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker

1
Would Justin Jefferson really play flag football for Team USA? 41:36

4M ago41:36

41:36

Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the latest from NFL league meetings in Eagan, Minn., where the "Tush Push" was defended, Justin Jefferson was allowed to play flag football (will he?), and a halftime show was teased for a Christmas game (the Vikings play on Christmas).By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker

1
Vikings' 2025 schedule offers big challenges on main stages 42:09

4M ago42:09

42:09

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the twists and turns of the Vikings' 2025 schedule that includes a frequent spotlight on quarterback J.J. McCarthy's team through seven nationally-televised games. What are the schedule quirks to know? They also open a listener mailbag and answer your questions about always playing in Seattle, …

1
Which Vikings rookies have clearest paths to contribute? 30:49

4M ago30:49

30:49

Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they saw and heard from the first day of a three-day Vikings rookie minicamp this weekend. That begs the question: which rookies from a small five-man class have the clearest paths to contribute right away?By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker

1
J.J. McCarthy talks about being QB1, Andrew Van Ginkel signs extension 55:06

4M ago55:06

55:06

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they heard from Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy during his first local media appearance since last season. What did he have to say about taking over a 14-win team? What did his teammates say? They also delve into Andrew Van Ginkel's new contract, Josh Metellus' case for a new deal, and m…

1
Vikings' 2025 draft class included five picks, a new QB, and a clear priority 39:42

5M ago39:42

39:42

Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker break down the Vikings' 2025 draft class from first-round guard Donovan Jackson through sixth-round tight end Gavin Bartholomew. Oh, and they do not forget new Vikings QB Sam Howell, who arrives as the most experienced option on the roster. But this offseason has been all about QB J.J. McCarthy anyway.…

1
Vikings stick and pick guard Donovan Jackson in NFL Draft's first round 22:39

5M ago22:39

22:39

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker come to you from Vikings headquarters in Eagan, where they drafted the franchise's first opening-round guard since 1988. Just don't ask Emily who that Hall of Famer was nearly 40 years ago.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker

1
The NFC North mock draft you didn't know you needed 49:49

5M ago49:49

49:49

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, Michael Rand and Emily Leiker put on their general manager caps and each take over a team in the NFC North for a division-wide mock draft. What can only be described as perfection ensues. Make sure you check out the Star Tribune's YouTube channel for the video.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker

1
Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah talks impact over need in the NFL Draft, plus our final position previews 40:14

5M ago40:14

40:14

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker react to Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's annual pre-draft press conference, in which he discussed his draft philosophies, impact vs. need, and their current four-pick allotment that would be the smallest class in franchise history. They also wrap up their position previews with groups that…

1
Will the Vikings keep prioritizing the offensive and defensive lines? Pre-Draft Position Preview Pt. 2 41:10

5M ago41:10

41:10

On this episode of the Access Vikings podcast, Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the many intriguing options available in the trenches during this year's NFL Draft. What are some of the best fits in the first round on each side? What about in later rounds? And what does the current depth chart tell us about what direction they'…

1
Which do the Vikings need more, a cornerback or safety? Pre-Draft Position Preview Pt. 1 34:37

5M ago34:37

34:37

Emily Leiker and Ben Goessling discuss a handful of defensive back prospects in this year's NFL Draft who'd be good fits for the Vikings, including potential first rounders and those who might still be on the board further in the draft. Plus, they briefly go down tangents on the Vikings' comp pick outlook for 2026 and who could replace Cam Bynum's …

1
Kevin O’Connell respects Aaron Rodgers but affirms his belief in J.J. McCarthy 24:39

5M ago24:39

24:39

In his first public comments to local reporters about the Vikings’ QB situation, O’Connell on Monday addressed the team’s interest in Rodgers and his communication with McCarthy about it. Star Tribune Vikings writers Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker break it all down.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker

1
Indianapolis Star's Joel Erickson talks Will Fries, Ryan Kelly, Cam Bynum and Daniel Jones 23:23

5M ago23:23

23:23

The Star Tribune's Andrew Krammer is joined by Indianapolis Star reporter Joel Erickson to discuss the Vikings and Colts swapping players this offseason. Why was new Vikings center Ryan Kelly available after nine years with the Colts? How did new Vikings guard Will Fries go from seventh-round pick to $17 million per year starter? And how do Cam Byn…

1
Takeaways from Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's free agency chat 59:35

6M ago59:35

59:35

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they heard from Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah during his post-free agency news conference with local reporters. What did he have to say about J.J. McCarthy? Aaron Rodgers? His own contract situation? They also discuss the annual NFL rule proposals and take listener questions.…

1
Vikings and Aaron Rodgers drama, free agent intros, listener questions and more 48:08

6M ago48:08

48:08

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' non-pursuit of Aaron Rodgers, their backup quarterback situation, new coaches, and new players getting introduced to local reporters. They also open the mailbag to answer some of your questions.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker

1
Ed Ingram, Garrett Bradbury on the move as Vikings remain in QB market 54:55

6M ago54:55

54:55

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings trading away guard Ed Ingram, trying to trade center Garrett Bradbury, and the state of their current search for a veteran quarterback to pair with J.J. McCarthy.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker

1
Vikings re-sign Byron Murphy and double down on O-line, D-line adds 33:11

6M ago33:11

33:11

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the flurry of Vikings moves from Monday night into Tuesday morning, including the re-signing of cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. and the addition of new linemen in guard Will Fries and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (and potentially Javon Hargrave). Daniel Jones left for the Colts. What does that m…

1
Sam Darnold leaves for Seattle as Vikings add Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly 40:59

6M ago40:59

40:59

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the first day of NFL free agency from a Vikings perspective. What do they make of Sam Darnold's fit and contract with the Seahawks? What does that mean at QB in Minnesota? There appears to be a new starting center despite Garrett Bradbury remaining on the roster. And what about safety Camryn By…

1
Vikings opt against tagging Sam Darnold, but contract talks are ongoing 43:21

6M ago43:21

43:21

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' decision not to franchise tag Sam Darnold, who is cleared to become a free agent on March 12. That is unless he agrees to a new deal with the Vikings beforehand. What are the Vikings' options otherwise? What does that mean for J.J. McCarthy? And what will the team prioritize in fre…

1
Vikings takeaways from the NFL Scouting Combine 46:08

7M ago46:08

46:08

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker come to you from a random corner of the Indiana Convention Center where they and hundreds of other media members fight to stake out corners of the building to record content for the modern age. What's going to happen with Sam Darnold? What about Byron Murphy Jr.? What are the positions of need from thi…

1
Will the Vikings use the franchise tag on Sam Darnold? 53:31

7M ago53:31

53:31

Andrew Krammer is joined by Purple Insider's Matthew Coller to discuss the two-week franchise tag window and whether the Vikings will use it on quarterback Sam Darnold or cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (Editor's note: After recording, news broke that the Vikings agreed to push back Murphy's void date, making him ineligible for the franchise tag). Plus…

1
What happened at the Super Bowl ... and what comes next for the Vikings? 43:38

7M ago43:38

43:38

Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker have you covered on the latest edition of the podcast.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker

1
From O'Connell to Jared Allen, how the Vikings' busy night unfolded at NFL Honors 37:48

7M ago37:48

37:48

Star Tribune writer and Pro Football Hall of Fame selector Mark Craig joins Andrew Krammer from New Orleans, where the Vikings had a busy night at the annual NFL Honors ceremony prior to the Super Bowl. Craig discusses his voting for all NFL awards, including O'Connell's winning case and an interesting Defensive Player of the Year ballot, as well a…

1
It's Super Bowl week! Let's talk Vikings quarterbacks and trade targets 42:32

7M ago42:32

42:32

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker begin Super Bowl week by talking about Vikings quarterbacks, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's contract, and more. They also open the mailbag to answer your questions about trade targets like Myles Garrett and Cooper Kupp, as well as a what-if with Kirk Cousins.…

1
Brian Flores' HC options run dry, plus Super Bowl and Vikings free agency thoughts 49:49

7M ago49:49

49:49

Andrew Krammer, Michael Rand and Emily Leiker discuss defensive coordinator Brian Flores not being hired in this head coaching cycle, his relatively older depth chart on defense, plus takeaways from this year's playoffs and thoughts on pending Vikings free agents. There are a few among their many free agents who could be coveted elsewhere.…

1
Vikings, Kevin O'Connell agree to contract extension: GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah next? 40:16

8M ago40:16

40:16

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings extending head coach Kevin O'Connell, the chances of defensive coordinator Brian Flores sticking around, the dominant(?) NFC North going 0-3 in the playoffs, the fallout for both the Lions and Bears after Chicago hired Ben Johnson, and more.…

1
Vikings mailbag: Coaching changes? Distance from a Super Bowl? Darnold's end? 32:41

8M ago32:41

32:41

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about coaching changes, how far the Vikings are from being contenders, how game planning factored into Sam Darnold's disappointing end, safety Cam Bynum's free agency, positions that are better off entering 2025, and more.…

1
Vikings' Adofo-Mensah, O'Connell say they're keeping 'good options' open at quarterback 37:10

8M ago37:10

37:10

Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Emily Leiker discuss the season-ending press conferences by Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell. Quarterbacks dominated the roughly 40 combined minutes with both. What's their plan with Sam Darnold? Where's J.J. McCarthy in his recovery? Are they committed to either at this po…