Vikings Re-Sign Long Snapper Andrew DePaola, Backup QB Nick Mullens

The Vikings have made a couple minor yet important moves to re-sign in-house free agents on Tuesday. In addition to bringing back center Garrett Bradbury on a three-year deal, Minnesota is re-signing long snapper Andrew DePaola and backup quarterback Nick Mullens.

For DePaola, it's a three-year, $4.025 million deal with $2.265 million in guarantees, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. DePaola, who turns 36 this offseason, was named to his first career Pro Bowl last season and was also a first team All-Pro as the best long snapper in the league. The man special teams coordinator Matt Daniels calls "Sir Po" will bring continuity to the Vikings' kicking and punting operations. Second-year punter Ryan Wright will also be back, but it's unclear who the Vikings' kicker will be. Greg Joseph is an unrestricted free agent.

Mullens will also return in 2023. The Vikings traded a conditional 2024 seventh-round pick last August to acquire him from the Raiders as their backup, following a disappointing preseason for QBs Sean Mannion and Kellen Mond. 

The 28-year-old Mullens appeared in four games for the Vikings last season. He played one emergency snap when Kirk Cousins had to leave the game against the Commanders, appeared in blowout losses against the Cowboys and Packers, and saw extended playing time in the meaningless regular season finale against the Bears. Mullens completed 21 of 25 passes for 224 yards, a touchdown, and a pick.

Mullens had 20 appearances and 17 starts prior to joining the Vikings, most of them with the 49ers. He's a quality backup quarterback who is unlikely to see the field because of Cousins' durability but is a necessary and important piece nonetheless.