One of the best ways to keep a franchise relevant in today's NFL is to keep your contributors around while improving the weak spots on the roster. This is the task the Minnesota Vikings face heading into the 2026 NFL season and every other season.
Sadly, with the Vikings in a poor position when it comes to the salary cap, being able to re-sign some of the most valuable contributors on the roster is going to be a massive challenge unless some impressive cap magic is done by the front office.
Minnesota Vikings reportedly re-signed ILB Eric Wilson
Very late on Sunday night, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo shared a post on X with the news that the Minnesota Vikings and linebacker Eric Wilson have agreed on a new contract to keep him with the team for the next three years.
The deal is worth $22.5 million, with $12.5 million guaranteed for the three years.
Now, Wilson will average $7.5 million to stay as a starting middle linebacker in Brian Flores's defense. Nearly doubling his salary from last year, this contract is a great reward for a player who stepped into a major role and performed extremely well.
Last year, Wilson made $2.9 million coming to Minnesota and playing 965 defensive snaps and 173 special teams snaps in 17 games, racking up 115 combined tackles, 6.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles.
While not a household name, Eric Wilson has definitely earned some respect for his contributions. Locking him down in this defense is a smart move and allows the franchise to use more of its resources to acquire more talent.
Before returning in 2025, Eric Wilson started as an undrafted free agent of the Minnesota Vikings in 2017. He exited the purple and gold after the 2020 NFL season, spending time with the Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, and Green Bay Packers.
The 31-year-old linebacker looked like he hadn't missed a step since his first stint in a purple and gold jersey. Paired next to Blake Cashman as the interior linebackers in Minnesota's 3-4 defense showed they are more than capable of performing at high levels.
Conratulations to Eric Wilson and the Minnesota Vikings on a great contract for a great contributor who is now under contract through the 2028 NFL season.