The Minnesota Vikings are shaking things up on offense as they head into the 2025 season, with rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy stepping in to replace Sam Darnold. While McCarthy inherits a talented supporting cast, the front office isn’t resting on their laurels. This week, they made waves by signing a new tight end, Giovanni Ricci, while parting ways with rookie linebacker Matt Harmon in a surprising roster move. Alongside a hefty contract extension for tight end Josh Oliver, the Vikings are doubling down on their offensive depth—but is Ricci’s signing a gamble worth taking?
Josh Oliver’s Extension Bolsters Tight End Room
Ahead of mandatory minicamp, the Vikings locked in their No. 2 tight end, Josh Oliver, with a three-year, $23.25 million contract extension. Paired with T.J. Hockenson, one of the NFL’s elite tight ends, Minnesota’s tight end group already looks formidable. Oliver’s extension signals the team’s commitment to a robust passing and blocking game, giving McCarthy reliable targets and protection. However, the front office wasn’t done tinkering, as they added another piece to the puzzle with Ricci’s signing.
Vikings Sign Giovanni Ricci, Release Matt Harmon
In a move that raised eyebrows, the Vikings brought in tight end Giovanni Ricci shortly after Oliver’s extension. Ricci, an undrafted free agent from the 2020 NFL Draft, initially carved out a role as a fullback with the Carolina Panthers. Over four seasons with Carolina (2021-2023), he appeared in 36 games, recording nine receptions for 102 yards. His versatility as a blocker and occasional pass-catcher made him a valuable depth player.
Since leaving Carolina, Ricci has bounced around, spending time with the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots without seeing game action. Cut by the Patriots in April 2025, Ricci was a free agent until the Vikings called on Tuesday. His signing, however, came at a cost, as rookie linebacker Matt Harmon was released to make room on the roster.
Harmon, who went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft after a seven-year college career at Kent State, had earned a spot with the Vikings following a standout rookie camp. In 2024, he posted 56 tackles, seven for loss, two sacks, and one pass deflection, showcasing his potential as a hard-hitting linebacker. While his release is a setback, Harmon’s performance may attract attention from other NFL teams, making him a name to watch in the coming days.
Giovanni Ricci’s Uphill Battle in Minnesota
Ricci’s arrival in Minnesota is a fresh start, but his path to a roster spot is far from guaranteed. With Hockenson and Oliver entrenched as the top two tight ends and 2025 sixth-round pick Gavin Bartholomew ahead of him on the depth chart, Ricci faces stiff competition. At best, he may be fighting for a practice squad role unless he can turn heads during training camp and preseason.
What sets Ricci apart is his versatility. His experience as a fullback with the Panthers highlights his blocking ability, a skill that could complement Minnesota’s tight end-heavy offensive schemes. If Ricci can prove his worth as a reliable blocker and occasional receiving threat, he might carve out a niche role. For a team looking to maximize McCarthy’s development, adding a player with Ricci’s upside is a low-risk, high-reward move.
A Small Move with Big Implications
The Vikings’ decision to sign Ricci and release Harmon underscores their relentless pursuit of roster improvement, even at the margins. While Ricci’s addition isn’t a headline-grabber, it reflects a front office unwilling to leave any stone unturned. With four tight ends now vying for spots, the competition will push each player to elevate their game, potentially giving McCarthy an even stronger supporting cast.
As training camp looms, all eyes will be on Ricci to see if he can seize this opportunity. For Harmon, the journey continues elsewhere, while the Vikings bet on a versatile tight end to add depth and flexibility. In a season full of change, Minnesota’s gamble on Ricci could pay dividends—or simply be a footnote in their 2025 campaign.