EAGAN, Minn. — Dakota Dozier is back for his third season in Purple.
Minnesota announced Tuesday that it has re-signed Dozier, who spent the past two seasons with the Vikings, including all of the 2020 season as the starting left guard.
Dozier could compete for that spot again and win the starting job, or he could provide depth at both guard spots and center if he is not in the starting five.
The Vikings added an interior offensive lineman, Mason Cole, last week in a trade that sent a sixth-round pick to the Arizona Cardinals.
Dozier, who will turn 30 on April 30, is familiar with Minnesota's offensive scheme. In addition to the past two seasons in the system, Dozier also ran the scheme in 2018 with the Jets when Vikings Offensive Line Coach/Run Game Coordinator Rick Dennison was also in New York.
Dozier had some ups and downs as the Vikings starting left guard in 2020, but proved durable by playing all 1,082 offensive snaps.
He started all 16 games in 2020 for the first time in his career, bringing his career total to 27 starts in 70 regular-season games.
The Jets drafted Dozier out of Furman University in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Dozier also started four games for Minnesota in 2019, with three at right guard and one at left guard.
Hentges placed on Reserve/Retired list
The Vikings on Tuesday also announced that tight end Hale Hentges has been placed on the Reserve/Retired list.
Hentges joined Minnesota late in 2020 after beginning his pro career with Washington. He appeared in the regular-season finale at Detroit on special teams.
