Ryan Kelly Signs Two-Year Deal With Minnesota Vikings

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Veteran center Ryan Kelly has signed a two-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings worth $18 million, marking a significant addition to the team’s offensive line. The agreement, reported by multiple sources including ESPN and NFL Network, comes as the Vikings look to strengthen their roster ahead of the upcoming season.

Kelly, a four-time Pro Bowler, spent all nine seasons of his career with the Indianapolis Colts after being selected in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He has started in all 121 of his career games, with 10 of those during the 2024 season. His last Pro Bowl selection was in 2023, where he played 14 games.

“I can’t thank enough, Jim Irsay and his family,” Kelly said, reflecting on his time in Indianapolis. “It’s special to be at one place for nine years.” Kelly faced injury challenges throughout his career, appearing in every regular season game only twice. He played all 16 games in 2019 and all 17 in 2022 but was limited to just 10 games in the past season due to knee and other injuries.

The Vikings currently have Garrett Bradbury, another first-round center from the 2019 draft, still under contract. It remains unclear whether the Vikings plan to transition Kelly to guard or if Bradbury will be let go, which would incur a $2.4 million dead money hit but save the team $3.6 million against the salary cap.

Kelly’s experience and accolades make him a potential upgrade for a Vikings offensive line that has struggled in recent years. The addition also reunites him with former Colts general manager Ryan Grigson, now part of the Vikings’ front office.

“You can’t downplay how special it is to play for one team for that long,” Kelly added, expressing gratitude for his time with the Colts. As the Vikings prepare for the season, the integration of Kelly into their lineup could be crucial for their success.