Emily Leiker
Sports Reporter
Emily Leiker covers the Vikings for the Minnesota Star Tribune. She was previously the Syracuse football beat writer for Syracuse.com & The Post-Standard, covering everything from bowl games to coaching changes and even a player-filed lawsuit against SU. Emily graduated from Mizzou in 2022 is originally from Washington state.
Latest from Emily Leiker
Vikings draft preview: Which cornerback prospect seems made for Flores’ defense?
Texas’ Jahdae Barron is an exemplar of versatility among this year’s defensive draft prospects, but his stock might have ballooned too much for the Vikings to land him at No. 24.
April 16, 2025
Vikings draft preview: With Harrison Smith back, what’s the need at safety?
The Vikings return their veteran safety for another year but need depth for both this season and when Smith decides to hang up his cleats. South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori is a top prospect at the position, and Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts fits the Vikings defense well.
April 15, 2025
Podcast: Which do the Vikings need more in the NFL draft, a cornerback or a safety?
In the latest episode of the Access Vikings podcast, Emily Leiker and Ben Goessling take stock of the defensive draft prospects in this month’s draft.
April 10, 2025
The draft is in three weeks away. Here’s what to know about the Vikings’ picks
The 2025 NFL draft takes place April 24-26 in Green Bay. Which picks do the Vikings have and how might they use them?
April 5, 2025
What's next for the Vikings? NFL draft, schedule release, OTAs and more
The Vikings will begin their nine-week offseason program on April 21, three days before the NFL draft. Key dates include a mid-May schedule release, OTAs in late May and mandatory minicamp June 10-12.
April 3, 2025
McCarthy says he hasn’t been told he’s Vikings starting QB: ‘I try to earn it every single day’
During an interview Tuesday, Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy offered a brief insight into where the team stands on deciding their starter for 2025 and provided an update on his recovery from knee surgery.
March 25, 2025
Former Colts teammates bring ability to ‘see the game through almost the same lens’ to Vikings
Center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries each lauded the other while talking to Twin Cities media and emphasized the importance of offensive line chemistry.
March 20, 2025
Vikings add cornerback, receiver; fill out coaching staff
The Vikings signed cornerback Jeff Okudah, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 draft, and receiver Tim Jones, who is expected to play a special teams role.
March 18, 2025
Vikings host cornerback Okudah on a free-agent visit
Jeff Okudah, the No. 3 pick in the 2020 draft by the Lions, is looking for his fourth team in as many years while the Vikings are looking for depth in the secondary.
March 17, 2025
Vikings free agency moves: The week in review
The Vikings addressed some major needs, particularly along the offensive and defensive lines, during the first week of NFL free agency.
March 16, 2025
Vikings host WR Rondale Moore for free-agent visit, sign LB Eric Wilson
The Vikings are familiar with Moore’s big-play ability going back to a 2021 loss to Arizona. They’re also familiar with Wilson, who played in Minnesota from 2017-2020.
March 14, 2025
Vikings trade Ingram to Texans; trying to deal Bradbury, too
After signing center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries this week, the Vikings traded away guard Ed Ingram. They're also looking to trade center Garrett Bradbury and will release him if no deal is found.
March 13, 2025
