JUST-IN: Vikings Fan Favorite Top Experience Pro Bowler’s Future in Jeopardy After Somber Season-End Moment – Is This the End of His Time in Minnesota?

Few players in the Minnesota Vikings organization are as beloved as C.J. Ham, the Duluth, Minn., native who made an improbable journey from walk-on at the Vikings’ rookie minicamp in 2016 to Pro Bowl fullback. Ham has been a reliable and consistent force in the Vikings’ backfield for years, earning respect as one of the NFL’s best fullbacks. However, at 32 years old, Ham is now facing uncertainty about his future with the team, with questions swirling as the Vikings approach an offseason of potential changes.

After the Vikings’ season-ending loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Ham was noticeably somber and chose not to address questions about his future at locker room cleanout day. Emily Leiker, a beat reporter for the Minnesota Star Tribune, observed that Ham spent extra time on the field after the game, reflecting on the season.

“He was one of those guys who did not show up at locker room cleanouts,” Leiker remarked on the “Access Vikings” podcast. “None of those veterans who might be near the end of their careers did. He’s up there. Is this maybe when he calls it quits?”

Entering the final year of his contract, Ham is set to make $3.41 million against the cap in 2025. However, the Vikings could save $2.65 million by cutting him this offseason, a move that could be part of a larger roster overhaul. With 25 pending free agents and the fifth-most cap space in the league, Minnesota is primed to make significant changes, and Ham’s future with the team is far from certain.

Ham’s role on the team has gradually diminished under head coach Kevin O’Connell’s offense, and the Vikings will have to evaluate how he fits into their future plans. As the team looks to restructure and reload for next season, it’s unclear whether the fullback’s presence will remain a key component of their revamped roster. The Vikings’ decision will be influenced not only by Ham’s performance but also by their broader cap management strategy.

The 2025 offseason promises to be a critical time for Ham, who has been a steady contributor for the Vikings. As he enters the final year of his contract, the question remains: will he finish his career in Minnesota, or will the team make a tough decision to part ways and focus on younger options? The next few months could determine whether Ham’s beloved tenure with the Vikings will continue or come to a close.