Another former Vikings defender has signed with a bitter rival

Former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson recently signed a deal to play for the New Orleans Saints during the upcoming 2022 NFL season.

Outside of the NFC North, the New Orleans Saints are arguably the biggest rival of the Minnesota Vikings. With games like the 2009 NFC Championship, the “Minneapolis Miracle”, the 2019 wild-card matchup, and 2020’s Christmas Day disaster, the rivalry between these two teams has grown significantly since the start of the 21st century.

Most players don’t care about rivalries as much fans, so we’ve seen plenty of players leave Minnesota to sign with New Orleans.

Earlier this year, former Vikings defensive tackle Jaleel Johnson signed a deal to suit up for the Saints next season. Now, another former Minnesota defender has signed a contract with New Orleans this year as former Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson recently agreed to take his talents to the NFC South.

Will former Minnesota Vikings LB Eric Wilson be a starter for the New Orleans Saints?

During the 2021 offseason, Wilson left Minnesota after four years to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles. Unfortunately for the former Vikings linebacker, his tenure with the Eagles didn’t last very long.

Wilson appeared in seven games for Philadelphia last season, and he was even a starter in two of their matchups. But the Eagles decided to move on from the veteran linebacker midway through the 2021 campaign as he was let go by the team last November.

Shortly after his departure from Philadelphia, Wilson did end up finding a home with the Houston Texans for the rest of the 2021 season. He appeared in seven games for the Texans and most of his time on the field was spent on special teams.

Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Cincinnati 2018, Wilson had a breakout season for the Vikings in 2020 when he finished with 122 tackles, eight pass breakups, three interceptions, three sacks, and one forced fumble.

Heading into training camp this summer, Wilson will probably be listed on the Saints‘ depth chart as a reserve linebacker behind Demario Davis and Pete Werner.

The former Minnesota linebacker might be able to impress New Orleans enough for them to place him in some pass-rushing situations next season, but he will likely spend most of his time on special teams again if he makes the Saints’ final 2022 roster.