Minnesota Vikings’ biggest contract during free agency draws some criticism for the oddest reason
It’s understandable rationale, but that’s not what the Vikings ask him to do.
Free agency was relatively quiet for the Minnesota Vikings this year. They only brought in a small handful of players from outside of the organization to this point: quarterback Kyler Murray, cornerback James Pierre, punter Johnny Hekker, and swing tackle Ryan Van Demark. Outside of that, most of the Vikings’ moves have been in house.
They performed multiple restructures and cut a few key starters from the 2025 season, but it’s an extension that has drawn the biggest criticism.
Eric Wilson’s contract receives criticism
When the Vikings signed inside linebacker Eric Wilson to a three-year, $22.5 million extension, it felt like a big contract for a player breaking out in his ninth season, and that has been echoed in multiple areas. Pro Football Focus’ Zoltan Buday named the extension his least favorite move for the Vikings in free agency.
“The Vikings re-signed Wilson to a three-year contract worth $22.5 million. Although that makes him just the 30th-highest-paid linebacker in the league, it might still be an overpay, considering Wilson’s limited skill set. In 2025, he earned a 36.7 PFF coverage grade, which ranked just 71st out of 80 qualifying linebackers.”
Identifying the coverage element is a fascinating way to talk about Wilson being overpaid. The Vikings didn’t extend him due to his ability in coverage. He was given another contract due to his ability as a blitzer and run defender.
In a Brian Flores defense, linebackers are used a lot as blitzers and pass rushers, and Wilson maximized just that. He was third on the team in pressures with 37 and got pressure on 20.5% of his attempts, which is extremely high. He thrived in his first year with Flores, and the hope is he can do it again in 2026.
Plus, the contract is more like a two-year, $12.9 million contract with $2.08 million in dead money if they cut him after the 2027 season. It’s a pretty light contract considering what it looked like from the jump.
He may not be the best in coverage, but that’s not why he was extended.
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