Vikings keep C.J. Ham with a new four-year contract

The Minnesota Vikings have re-signed fullback C.J. Ham to a new four-year contract after a standout season with the franchise in 2019.

Talented full back C.J. Ham has penned a new four-year contract to remain with the Minnesota Vikings.

The 26-year-old’s agent, Blake Baratz, confirmed the news on Monday, keeping him in Minnesota until 2024.

Ham was an undrafted free agent out of Augustana and he enjoyed a tremendous 2019 season. He became a real blocking force for running back Dalvin Cook and he also came up with some big plays catching the ball out of the backfield.

Ham saw the field for 35 percent of the Vikings’ snaps last season and he rushed seven times for 17 yards. He also caught 17 balls on 26 targets for 149 yards and a touchdown.

He was a reliable target for Kirk Cousins to call upon in critical situations and he is a respected member of the Minnesota locker room. Ham, who was due to become a restricted free agent, will receive $12.25 million over four years.

Last season, Ham only had a $645,000 cap hit and he played a leading role in the much-improved performance of Minnesota’s rushing offense, earning him a Pro Bowl selection.

His new deal ties him up for what should be the best years of his career with the Vikings. It is also great news for Cook, who has formed a close bond with the fullback after he contributed significantly to a career year for the running back in 2019.

The news came just moments after Cousins received a two-year extension of his own. The quarterback’s new contract is worth $66 million and Minnesota was able to reduce his 2020 cap hit by $10 million thanks to the new agreement.