5 worst moves of the Minnesota Vikings 2021 offseason
By Chris Schad
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.