The Minnesota Vikings are kicking off the offseason with a clear focus on keeping their seasoned players in the fold, aiming to solidify their core before the market fully opens. Starting the week strong, they inked linebacker Eric Wilson to a three-year, $22.5 million extension.
Wilson, who proved his mettle by starting all 16 games last season and racking up 115 tackles, secured $12.5 million in fully guaranteed money. This deal is a testament to his impressive journey from undrafted free agent to a defensive powerhouse.
By locking down this versatile playmaker, the Vikings ensure their defense remains anchored by a player who can handle a significant workload. It’s a strategic move that underscores their commitment to veteran continuity.
In line with this strategy, the Vikings made waves by bringing back one of the league's most dependable specialists. Andrew DePaola, a three-time Pro Bowl long snapper, is rejoining the team on a one-year, fully guaranteed $1.725 million contract.
This deal, orchestrated by agent Sean Stellato, marks DePaola’s return for his 12th NFL season. His presence is a key component of the special teams unit, providing essential reliability as the franchise navigates this transitional phase.
To accommodate these moves and prepare for future opportunities, the Vikings have also taken steps to enhance their financial flexibility. Reports indicate that the team has restructured the contract of star tight end T.J.
Hockenson, reducing his cap hit by $5 million for the 2026 season. This adjustment, spearheaded by executive Rob Brzezinski, gives the Vikings the necessary “wiggle room” to be aggressive as the legal tampering window approaches.
With Hockenson’s future secured and additional cap space cleared, the Vikings are positioning themselves as proactive players in the ever-evolving landscape of roster building in the NFC North.