One of the Minnesota Vikings’ first orders of business in free agency this month was re-signing Eric Wilson after a phenomenal 2025 campaign — and Pro Football Focus is not impressed.
The grade looked harsh, even with PFF’s skepticism attached.
PFF’s Zoltán Buday identified one of his “least favorite” signings for each NFL team this week, and for Minnesota, the Wilson contract got the nod.
The Vikings Valued Wilson More Than PFF
Are you happy that Wilson is back in the saddle?
PFF on Wilson to MIN: No Thanks.
For starters, PFF’s grading system was not high on Wilson last season, assigning a 62.1 grade despite the everyman’s eye test suggesting much better performance.
Bulday called Wilson his least favorite Vikings signing and explained, “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.”
His favorite? Kyler Murray. He wrote, “The Vikings get a one-year trial of Murray at the veteran minimum after the Cardinals released him. There is nothing Minnesota could lose from this move, considering the very minimal financial implications. On the other hand, if Murray finds his old form, he should be Minnesota’s starting quarterback beyond just this season.”
Most Vikings fans enjoyed both transactions.
The Vikings Had to See if Wilson Has a Sequel Incoming
Wilson was a revelation for Minnesota last year — and that’s not an exaggeration. He performed wonderfully in Brian Flores’s defense as early as Week 1 at the Chicago Bears and then never really slowed down.
He’ll turn 32 in September, meaning he’s not a fix for the long haul, but after posting fringe Pro Bowl numbers — out of nowhere — for the Vikings, the team’s front office owed it to themselves to see if Wilson is a flash in the plan or late bloomer.
For example, pretend Minnesota didn’t want Wilson back because of his age and let him leave accordingly. Thereafter, Wilson continues his 2025 surge with another team. The general management and coaching staff would look like fools — or a diet version of the Sam Darnold situation.
The Vikings had to know, so they re-signed Wilson to a modest deal.
On the other hand, our Kyle Joudry advocated for Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal as a possible Vikings fit in free agency, noting on the Wilson move, “The point, folks, is not to insist that Eric Wilson was a bad signing. Neither is the argument that the Vikings gamble won’t pay off. The expectations do change, though, when the compensation surpasses $20 million rather than $2 million.”
“A Vikings roster that’s in need of high-end youth allowed some youth to sign elsewhere for deals that resemble the business that got done with in-house talent. Might the money have been better spent elsewhere?”
Wilson’s Production
Wilson’s role transformed dramatically in 2025, a shift immediately felt by the Vikings. Signed initially as a backup linebacker and special teams contributor behind Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace Jr., Wilson quickly surpassed expectations. By early October, the original plan was abandoned as Wilson continued to batter opposing offenses.
The numbers confirmed what the film showed. Wilson played aggressively downhill, consistently penetrating gaps and wreaking havoc in the backfield. He led all linebackers in sacks and pressures and ranked near the top in forced fumbles, a skill set perfectly suited for Flores’ system, which thrives on intelligence and relentless aggression.
Wilson’s production mirrored his on-field impact: 115 tackles, 17 for loss, 10 quarterback hits, 6.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles, all at the age of 31. Just a year prior, he was considered a depth player in Green Bay. Yet, by January, he had become one of Minnesota’s most dependable defensive players.
This performance made the offseason decision straightforward: the Vikings needed to re-sign him. Flores’ scheme depends on players like Wilson, who have proven their ability to deliver consistently. Adding to the narrative is a compelling full-circle element. Minnesota signed Wilson nine years prior in undrafted free agency, presenting a unique opportunity for his career to both begin and end in the same place.
The Other Vikings FA Moves
If you’re late to the party this month, here’s a look at the Vikings’ free agency, starting with the re-signings:
- Andrew DePaola (LS)
- Ivan Pace Jr. (LB)
- Jalen Redmond (DT)
- Bo Richter (OLB)
- Zavier Scott (RB)
- Tavierre Thomas (S)
- Carson Wentz (QB)
- Eric Wilson (LB)
Then, the departures so far:
- Jonathan Allen (DT) → CIN
- Ty Chandler (RB) → NO
- Javon Hargrave (DT) → GB
- Jalen Nailor (WR) → LV
- Ryan Wright (P) → NO
And the new guys:
- Johnny Hekker (P, TEN)
- Kyler Murray (QB, ARI)
- James Pierre (CB, PIT)
- Ryan Van Demark (OT, BUF)
Minnesota has nine draft picks in the war chest next month, and it might even draft a rookie linebacker as a Wilson succession plan.
