Vikings re-sign guard Dakota Dozier

The 29-year-old played his first five seasons with the New York Jets.

March 31, 2021 at 12:14PM
Dakota Dozier (Carlos Gonzalez, Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The Vikings' second move to address their offensive line in free agency was much like their first: They brought back one of their own.

The team re-signed guard Dakota Dozier on Tuesday, retaining their starting left guard from a year ago in a move that at least gives them some depth for several positions on the line. It remains to be seen whether the 29-year-old will retain the left guard spot where he started all 16 games a year ago.

He ended the year as the only Vikings player who didn't miss an offensive snap. Dozier's struggles, particularly in pass protection, could find him having to compete for his starting spot, especially if the Vikings have plans to try former Cardinals center Mason Cole at guard after they traded for him last week. Still, Dozier's ability to play several different positions has continued to pique the Vikings' interest in bringing him back. The 2021 season will be Dozier's third in Minnesota.

The team also tight end Hale Hentges on the reserve/retired list. Hentges, 24, played in one game last season after being signed off the Colts practice squad in December. The Vikings will retain his rights.

about the writer

about the writer

Ben Goessling

Sports reporter

Ben Goessling has covered the Vikings since 2012, first at the Pioneer Press and ESPN before becoming the Star Tribune's lead Vikings reporter in 2017. He was named one of the top NFL beat writers by the Pro Football Writers of America in 2024, after honors in the AP Sports Editors and National Headliner Awards contests in 2023.

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