Vikings reach deal with center Ryan Kelly, sources say
Free agent center Ryan Kelly reached an agreement with the Minnesota Vikings on a two-year, $18 million deal, sources told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Adam Schefter on Monday.
The longest-tenured offensive player for the Indianapolis Colts, Kelly has been a stalwart during a career that has included four Pro Bowl selections. A 2016 first-round draft pick, Kelly has been a starter for each of his nine seasons.
Kelly was at a crossroads coming out of the 2024 season, with his contract expiring and the Colts mulling where to go next at center. Kelly’s age (31) and injury history left Indianapolis wondering whether to bring back Kelly or lean on 2024 draft pick Tanor Bortolini, who played in Kelly’s absence during the seven games the veteran missed.
Kelly had hoped to remain in Indianapolis, detailing his love for the organization in a tearful interview with local reporters after the team’s season finale.
“If I’m part of the team going forward, great,” he said. “If not, it was an honor to wear the horseshoe.”
Kelly was part of one of the league’s premier offensive lines when he teamed up with a young Quenton Nelson at left guard and Braden Smith at right tackle after they were drafted in 2018. Kelly was known for his unique ability to get to second-level blocks and his mental advantage that helped him diagnose defensive fronts.
More recently, injuries have been an issue. He has missed 10 games in the past two seasons, but he remained a solid contributor when he was on the field.
ESPN’s Stephen Holder contributed to this report.
Adam Schefter joins Pat McAfee to explain what would happen if the 49ers and Brock Purdy can’t reach a long-term deal. (1:34)
Christian McCaffrey and his wife Olivia Culpo are expecting a baby, the couple announced on Monday.
Culpo shared her pregnancy in two Instagram posts, one of which includes McCaffrey.
The wives of Brock Purdy and George Kittle were among several 49ers partners who congratulated McCaffrey and Culpo.
San Francisco fullback Kyle Juszczyk commented: “Uncle Juice can’t [wait] to meet his god child! Congrats guys!” Juszczyk’s wife, Kristin, wrote: “The best mom and dad there ever will be we love you guys so much!!”
McCaffrey and Culpo met on a blind date in 2019 and became engaged in April 2023. The San Francisco 49ers running back and Culpo tied the knot in June at a historic resort venue, Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island.
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Vikings agree to two-year deal with C Ryan Kelly
The Vikings are adding a key veteran to the interior of their offensive line.
According to multiple reports, Ryan Kelly has agreed to sign a two-year deal with Minnesota.
The initial reports indicate Kelly’s contract is worth $18 million.
Kelly, 31, had spent his entire career with the Colts. A first-round pick in 2016, Kelly is a four-time Pro Bowler. He’s started 121 career games, including 10 for Indianapolis in 2024. His last Pro Bowl season was 2023, when he started 14 games.
Kelly was No. 78 on PFT’s list of the top 100 free agents for 2025.
The Vikings already have a first-round center on their roster in Garrett Bradbury, who was selected at No. 18 overall in 2019. He’s still under contract in 2025. It’s unclear as of yet if Kelly or Bradbury will switch positions, or if Bradbury could be on his way out.
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