The Minnesota Vikings are setting the tone for their offseason by prioritizing veteran continuity, ensuring their core remains intact before the market fully opens. Kicking things off, the front office locked in linebacker Eric Wilson with a three-year, $22.5 million extension.
Wilson, who was a rock for the defense last season with 115 tackles in 16 starts, is getting $12.5 million in guaranteed money. It’s a well-deserved reward for a player who climbed the ranks from undrafted free agent to defensive mainstay.
By securing Wilson, the Vikings are reinforcing their defense with a versatile playmaker who can handle a significant workload. His presence ensures that the team’s defensive unit remains strong and steady.
In line with their strategy of maintaining veteran stability, the Vikings also made waves by bringing back one of the league's most dependable specialists. Three-time Pro Bowl long snapper Andrew DePaola is returning to Minnesota on a one-year, fully guaranteed $1.725 million contract. This move, orchestrated by agent Sean Stellato, marks DePaola’s 12th NFL season, reinforcing the special teams with his consistent reliability.
To pave the way for these moves and future roster enhancements, the Vikings have also taken strategic steps to bolster their financial flexibility. Reports indicate that the team has restructured star tight end T.J.
Hockenson's contract, trimming his cap hit by $5 million for the 2026 season. This savvy adjustment, led by executive Rob Brzezinski, gives the Vikings the financial "wiggle room" they need to be aggressive as the legal tampering window opens.
With Hockenson’s future secured and extra cap space freed up, the Vikings are positioning themselves to be key players in the ever-evolving NFC North landscape.