C.j. Ham

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

This C.J. Ham deal represents an absolute steal for Minnesota, earning an A CVI that reflects exceptional value at the fullback position. At just $0.8M AAV, the Vikings are paying rotational player money for what amounts to one of the most reliable and versatile fullbacks in the league—a player who consistently opens up offensive possibilities that far exceed his modest salary footprint. Ham's unique skill set as both a lead blocker and legitimate receiving threat makes him worth multiples of this contract value, especially in an era where teams struggle to find players who can execute the fullback role at an elite level. The financial risk here is virtually nonexistent given the low dollar amount, while the upside is enormous for an offense that can deploy Ham in multiple personnel packages without telegraphing their intentions. This signing showcases Minnesota's front office acumen in identifying positional value inefficiencies, locking up a franchise-caliber fullback at replacement-level money—the kind of roster-building move that creates salary cap flexibility while maintaining operational excellence.

Performance Analysis

C.J. Ham earns a D for the Vikings as their fullback, a veteran who has been one of the last remaining true fullbacks in the NFL. Ham is a willing and capable lead blocker who executes his assignments with professionalism. His impact on the offense is limited by the position itself — he appears in a handful of plays per game in short-yardage and goal-line packages. Minnesota values his physicality and football intelligence, even if the statistical contributions are minimal. Ham is the prototypical modern fullback — appreciated by coaches, invisible on the box score, and doing a job that most teams have eliminated entirely.

Current Sentiment

C.J. Ham enters 2026 with an A-grade sentiment profile that reflects genuine respect and appreciation across Minnesota's fanbase and media landscape. The fullback's positive perception is anchored by his recent retirement ceremony alongside Adam Thielen, which demonstrates the organizational esteem he's earned over nine seasons of consistent, workmanlike contributions to the Vikings. Media coverage emphasizes Ham as a respected veteran and valuable locker room presence rather than focusing on his modest statistical output—a telling indicator that his value transcends traditional metrics in a position of declining NFL relevance. The celebratory tone surrounding his likely final season, with zero negative headlines regarding performance or conduct, showcases how steady professionalism and longevity can cultivate authentic goodwill even for role players. Ham's sentiment grade reflects the reality that while he's never been a marquee contributor, his reputation as a reliable, well-liked veteran has earned him the type of organizational and fan appreciation that many higher-profile players never achieve.