In a bold move to bolster their roster, the Minnesota Vikings have signed veteran tight end Giovanni Ricci, a player known for his versatility and physicality, while parting ways with rookie outside linebacker Matt Harmon. The announcement, made on June 10, 2025, signals the team’s intent to strengthen their offensive depth and special teams as they gear up for the upcoming season.
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Giovanni Ricci: A ‘Beast’ Joins the Vikings’ Tight End Room
Giovanni Ricci, a 28-year-old veteran, brings a wealth of experience and grit to the Vikings’ tight end group. With nine career receptions and a reputation as a reliable special teams contributor, Ricci is poised to make an immediate impact. His signing adds depth to a talented tight end room that already includes standout T.J. Hockenson, block-first specialist Josh Oliver, and rookies Gavin Bartholomew, Ben Yurosek, and Bryson Nesbit. Ricci’s ability to contribute both in the passing game and on special teams makes him a valuable asset, earning him the moniker of a ‘beast’ among fans and analysts for his tenacious play style.
Ricci’s journey to Minnesota follows stints with the Carolina Panthers, where he showcased his versatility as a fullback and tight end. His experience in high-pressure situations and knack for making plays in limited opportunities could provide the Vikings with the edge they need in crucial moments. As the team prepares for mandatory minicamp, Ricci’s role will likely focus on special teams while also serving as a depth piece behind Hockenson and Oliver, who are expected to handle the bulk of the tight end duties.
Matt Harmon’s Release: A Tough but Strategic Decision
In a corresponding move, the Vikings released rookie outside linebacker Matt Harmon, a 25-year-old who joined the team just a month ago after a tryout at their rookie minicamp. Harmon, an undrafted free agent, was a long shot to make the final roster, and his release reflects the Vikings’ ruthless approach to roster management as they prioritize players with immediate impact potential. While Harmon showed promise, the team’s depth at outside linebacker and their focus on refining the roster for 2025 led to this difficult decision.
The move underscores the Vikings’ commitment to building a competitive roster under General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, who has made significant offseason additions to address key weaknesses. With a 14-3 record in 2024 and a revamped offensive line, the team is clearly aiming to maintain their momentum and make a deep playoff run.
What This Means for the Vikings’ 2025 Season
The addition of Ricci strengthens an already potent offensive unit, which includes superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson, all of whom are expected to play pivotal roles in supporting second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Ricci’s versatility could see him used in creative ways, potentially as a fullback or in two-tight-end sets, adding another dimension to an offense that loves to “fling the football downfield.”
Meanwhile, Harmon’s release highlights the Vikings’ focus on prioritizing proven talent over developmental prospects at this stage of the offseason. With mandatory minicamp on the horizon, the team is fine-tuning its roster to ensure they have the right pieces in place to compete in the NFC North.
As the Vikings continue their preparations, all eyes will be on how Ricci integrates into the offense and whether he can carve out a significant role. For now, this move sends a clear message: Minnesota is all-in for 2025, and they’re not afraid to make tough calls to get there. Stay tuned for more updates as the Vikings march toward training camp