EAGAN, Minn. — Vikings teammates rode a roller-coaster of emotions Tuesday afternoon.

And as they've done everything this season, they did it together.

Players quietly chatted amongst themselves as they entered the locker room following their final team meeting of the 2024 campaign — one that came to an abrupt halt much sooner than any anticipated.

The weight of Monday night's Wild Card loss to the Rams hung like heavy clouds as guys exchanged hugs and cleaned out their lockers. Hoodies, T-shirts and toiletries were slipped off hangers and into large black trash bags, while used cleats and sneakers were dropped into bins arranged by Brian Asamoah II and Camryn Bynum to be donated to Ghana and the Philippines, respectively.

Bynum wore his signature smile through most of the interactions, but his eyes glistened.

"Love what happened this season. Everything. The ups and downs, the fun and joy we were able to have," he told Twin Cities media members. "But going through today knowing you're gonna see [some of] your brothers for the last time, it's tough."

Bynum and his teammates know there's one certainty in the NFL: change.

A roster will never stay the same from season to season, and many don't know at this point who's returning and who isn't.

The Vikings have more than 20 players who are slated to enter free agency in March, including Bynum.

"It's emotional," the 2021 draft pick said. "I don't know what's going to happen, and it's all in God's hands, and I trust that I'll be exactly where I need to be.

"Really just enjoying these last moments with your teammates as you're packing up your lockers," Bynum continued. "Making sure you say 'hi' and talk to everybody before you go, because for anybody, you don't know when their last time with the Vikings will be. I'm just focused on appreciating my teammates and loving the guys around me, because you never know how much time you have, and that's just a lesson in life."

In addition to signing full-sized purple helmets for each other, as several do to commemorate each season, players stopped by Khyree Jackson's locker and added their autographs to a No. 31 jersey.

Perhaps the emotions feel even stronger this year, as the 2024 Vikings held each other up after Jackson's tragic passing in a July car accident and honored his memory throughout their 14-win season.

Minnesota's locker room bonded over heartbreak and adversity but also connected over team BBQ competitions, group outings to Wild and Timberwolves games and a mutual passion for the game.

That camaraderie showed up on the field, where it often appeared the team had developed chemistry over multiple seasons; in reality, for several notable contributors on offense and defense alike, the 2024 campaign was their first in Vikings Purple.

"I think that's a special thing in itself, how quick we're all able to gel and get to know each other," Bynum said. "How we were all able to get through the stress of the season, the hard work, new players coming along midseason and joining the team, all of that. Everybody became family at the end of the day."

Running back Cam Akers is one of those midseason additions, having returned to Minnesota via trade in October after spending part of 2023 with the Vikings, as well.

Akers reiterated the authenticity and depth of relationships across the roster, regardless of age, race or side of the ball.

"We didn't have to try to click and mesh," he said. "It was just organic, you know what I mean? It's a blessing when you have that type of chemistry organically, where you don't have to try hard. You don't have to fake it.

"In this business, that happens a lot," noted Akers, who started his career as a 2020 undrafted free agent and has spent time with three different teams over five seasons. "People just come to work and smile [at each other] and just go home. But you don't get that feel here."

Take, for example, the fact Akers was a late add to the running backs room behind Aaron Jones, Sr.

Jones never once balked at Minnesota bringing in Akers or viewed him as a threat but instead embraced the opportunity to bolster the position group.

"That's the perfect way to say it; he embraced me right away," Akers said of Jones. "I let him know from the jump, 'Anytime you need me to come in to relieve you, I got you. I'm not here to stop on [your toes].' Learned from him all season. I was able to talk to him, pick his brain. He's been doing it for a while, so I'm blessed to be able to come in and play behind somebody like that."

Akers and Jones both have expressed a strong desire to return to Minnesota and be part of the Vikings culture.

"It feels good to be a part of," emphasized Akers, who totaled 64 carries for 297 yards and a rushing touchdown over 12 regular-season games with Minnesota.

"They allowed me to come in and contribute any way I could, as much as I could," he said. "We'll see what the future holds."