Why the Minnesota Vikings should re-sign Eric Wilson

Wilson’s rise to prominence

Eric Wilson has made the most out of his opportunity with the Vikings after going undrafted in 2017.

He managed to secure a deal with the Vikings and rose steadily up the depth charts. Wilson caught the eye on special teams during his rookie campaign and he also managed to secure the first forced fumble of his career.

This was followed by more chances to see the field on defense in 2018. He logged 32 percent of the team’s snaps from four starts and made another good impression on his way to 42 total tackles and two sacks.

Wilson came to the front more prominently during the latter stages of the 2019 season. The 25-year-old played 34 percent of snaps and recorded three sacks and 62 total tackles from six starts.

The outside linebacker was one of the bright spots during the Vikings’ disappointing divisional-round playoff defeat at the San Francisco 49ers. Wilson logged 10 total tackles and held up well against Kyle Shanahan’s formidable running attack.

This can give Minnesota or any potential suitor in free agency a real cause for encouragement regarding Wilson’s ability to become a prolonged NFL starter in the future. There is real scope for further improvement in his game with more experience and he is young enough to develop his pass-rushing technique.

Wilson has benefitted tremendously from playing alongside a formidable defensive front in Minnesota that has allowed him to develop at his own pace.