Vikings Offseason News: Blake Brandel, Khyiris Tonga, Za'Darius Smith, Ben Kotwica

It's not yet the heart of the NFL offseason, but minor pieces of Vikings news — and all kinds of rumors — continue to trickle in. Let's run through the latest.

Vikings re-sign pending ERFAs Brandel, Tonga

The Vikings announced on Friday that they have re-signed a pair of pending exclusive rights free agents: offensive tackle Blake Brandel and defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga. ERFAs are players with less than three accrued seasons and an expiring contract. Both Brandel and Tonga will be back on the Vikings in 2023 on one-year, $940,000 deals, which is great value for the franchise.

Brandel, a 2020 sixth-round pick out of Oregon State, was the Vikings' swing tackle last season and filled in admirably at left tackle when Christian Darrisaw was dealing with concussions. Brandel is a quality backup tackle with great size at 6'7".

Tonga was a fantastic midseason addition by the Vikings. Waived by the Bears during final roster cuts, Tonga wound up on the Falcons' practice squad before being signed to Minnesota's active roster in October. He quickly became an important rotational DT for the Vikings, playing 300 defensive snaps (including playoffs) and recording a 77.8 PFF grade. Tonga figures to again have a notable role in 2023.

Za'Darius Smith selling his house?

Vikings Pro Bowl pass rusher Za'Darius Smith is apparently selling his Eagan house. It's listed as "coming soon" on the real estate market, per the Star Tribune's Ben Goessling.