The Minnesota Vikings are facing challenges on the defensive front, but they have a potential solution in Miami Dolphins star Christian Wilkins, who is open to joining the team.
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC, the Vikings have expressed significant interest in Wilkins, a highly regarded defensive interior lineman set to become a free agent on March 13. Wilkins, who has accumulated 20.5 career sacks, including nine last season, is expected to attract significant attention from multiple teams in the free agency market.
Selected as the 13th overall pick in the 2019 draft, Wilkins was the first choice made by Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores during his tenure as head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 2019 to 2021.
According to Alec Lewis of The Athletic, the Vikings have identified Wilkins as a “top priority” and are expected to pursue him aggressively once the legal tampering window opens at 11 a.m. CT on Monday, March 11.
It is anticipated that Christian Wilkins will command a contract exceeding $100 million.
Since Linval Joseph’s departure in 2020, the Vikings have lacked a formidable presence in the middle of their defensive line. Due to salary cap limitations, the team has refrained from making significant expenditures at the position, and there hasn’t been a noteworthy investment through the draft either.
Wilkins has the potential to address the gap created by Joseph’s departure and serve as a multifaceted player for the Vikings fanbase. This fanbase has witnessed the dominance of legendary defensive linemen such as Alan Page, John Randle, and the Williams brothers over the years.
Moreover, the defensive interior line has evolved into a key position on defense, with top interior defenders showcasing strength against the run and exhibiting some of the league’s most formidable pass-rushing abilities.
Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs recently became the highest-paid defensive tackle in the league, securing a five-year contract. The deal guarantees $95 million over the first three years. Meanwhile, Justin Madubuike signed a four-year, $98 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens, with $75.5 million guaranteed.
Following suit, Wilkins exemplifies the caliber of talent sought after to anchor the middle of the defense, having recorded 58 pressures and 10 sacks last season. According to PFF’s free-agency report, Wilkins is regarded as one of the top run defenders among interior defensive linemen in the NFL.
It is projected that he could secure a four-year contract worth $100 million, with an average annual value of $25 million. This estimation comes after Wilkins achieved career highs in various pass-rushing metrics last season, including pass-rush win rate, pressure rate, sacks, quarterback hits, and pressures.
The Vikings have seen minimal productivity from their defensive line and face the potential loss of Danielle Hunter.
The Vikings’ front seven is nearly depleted as they approach free agency.
Crucially, Danielle Hunter is on the verge of entering free agency, and it’s anticipated that he will attract significant interest beyond what the Vikings are willing to offer. Additionally, impending free agents D.J. Wonnum and Marcus Davenport add to the uncertainty.
Moreover, the Vikings’ defensive line faces significant turnover. From the 2023 roster, only tackle Harrison Phillips and defensive ends Dean Lowry and Jaquelin Roy remain. Phillips played a pivotal role in the defensive line, logging 838 defensive snaps.
While he excelled as a run defender, his pass-rushing performance was modest, with just 21 pressures on 438 pass-rushing snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. Lowry, on the other hand, recorded only four pressures on 109 pass-rushing snaps.
Apart from Phillips, the Vikings struggled to generate pressure from the interior, a critical area where quarterbacks typically face fewer escapes.
The importance of interior pass pressure is on the rise in today’s NFL, highlighting the need for the Vikings to bolster their defensive front to become more formidable.
