Signing Nick Vigil over Eric Wilson
When the 2020 season ended, the writing was on the wall for Eric Wilson. The fourth-year linebacker had just posted a breakout season (122 tackles, three sacks, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles) and he was ready to cash in on the free-agent market.
With the Vikings’ cap situation, they couldn’t afford to keep Wilson, so they watched as he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles for, just, $2.75 million.
Meanwhile, Minnesota struck early in free agency to replace Wilson with Nick Vigil. Entering his age-28 season, Vigil has been in a reserve role during his five NFL seasons, but he posted a similar performance to Wilson in 2019 (111 tackles, one sack, one interception, one forced fumble).
Saving the extra $1.75 million could have been the difference for signing Patrick Peterson, Xavier Woods, or any of the Vikings’ defensive upgrades this year. But it seems like a small price to pay for the younger Wilson.
With Anthony Barr coming off a torn pectoral, Minnesota’s linebacker depth is a question heading into next season even with the addition of third-round pick, Chazz Surratt.
Perhaps the Vikings will be okay if Barr returns to form this year. But if he suffers another injury, they might miss having Wilson around.