Back in 2019, 2020, and 2021 when the Minnesota Vikings were still utilizing a run-first offense, fullback C.J. Ham was an essential piece of the team's roster. Ham even earned the first Pro Bowl selection of his career for his performance in the 2019 season.
But ever since Minnesota's offense changed after the team hired Kevin O'Connell to be its new head coach, the veteran fullback hasn't really been as much of a difference-maker.
O'Connell utilized Ham slightly more in his offense this past season, but his time on the field wasn't very effective. So now, before he turns 32 in July, it might be time for the Vikings to finally part ways with their longtime fullback.
C.J. Ham not worth what the Minnesota Vikings are paying him in 2025
Back in 2023, Minnesota signed Ham to a two-year extension worth $8.65 million. That deal is scheduled to end after the next season, but if the Vikings release him before June 1st, they can free up an extra $2.65 million to spend this offseason.
That may not seem like a lot, but it's also not smart to pay a player way more than they are currently worth either. Ham is scheduled to have a cap hit in 2025 of around $3.4 million, but according to OverTheCap.com's valuation metric, he's not even really worth paying $1 million.
Minnesota was arguably the worst team in the NFL last season when running the ball in short-yardage situations. When rushing on a play starting in between their opponent's 10 and 1-yard lines in 2024, the Vikings ranked last in the league with an average gain of just 0.4 yards per carry.
For one of the few teams in the NFL with a fullback, one would assume Minnesota would be better at gaining the tough yards. But Ham wasn't really living up to his end of the bargain either.
Of the six fullbacks in the league who were on the field for at least 130 run plays last season, Ham ranked last with a PFF run-blocking grade of just 53.5 (out of 100). His pass blocking wasn't really that much better, as he led all NFL fullbacks in pressures allowed in 2024 and he was one of two fullbacks to give up a sack.
The Vikings are likely going to make an attempt to improve their rushing attack this offseason, and perhaps a fullback could still be a position they want to utilize. But even if Minnesota still wants to use a fullback for the 2025 campaign, Ham no longer seems like the guy for the job.