The Minnesota Vikings and defensive tackle Harrison Phillips have agreed to a two-year extension worth $19 million, including over $13 million in guaranteed money, as reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero on September 10. The deal keeps Phillips in Minnesota through the 2026 season, rewarding the standout lineman for his contributions both on and off the field.
Since joining the Vikings in 2022, Phillips has become the cornerstone of a run defense that has climbed into the league’s top tier. Coming off a career year in 2023, Phillips posted personal bests in tackles (92) and sacks (3.0), and his Week 1 performance in 2024 against the New York Giants showed why Minnesota locked him down. Phillips recorded five tackles, including one for a loss, 1.0 sack, a quarterback hurry, and a pass defensed, helping limit the Giants to just 74 rushing yards in a 27-6 victory.
Anchoring the defensive line, Phillips played 839 snaps in 2023, and the Vikings allowed just 3.76 yards per rush, ranking fourth in the NFL. According to team statistics, Minnesota gave up only two rushing plays of 20 yards or more—one of the best marks in the last three decades.
Drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Phillips has also been a standout off the field. A three-time nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, he was named a Vikings captain ahead of the 2024 season. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores praised Phillips for his leadership and ability to build relationships across the locker room.
“His leadership, his ability to create relationships throughout the locker room, that’s why he was named captain,” Flores said. “He does a lot of great things for us that don’t get mentioned from a team-building and camaraderie standpoint, and he’s also a very good player.”
Phillips, who has overcome challenges of being undersized for his position, celebrated the contract extension on social media, writing, “To God be the Glory! #SkolVikings.”
Phillips’ signing solidifies a Vikings defense that has steadily improved since he joined the team. After ranking 20th in rushing yards allowed in 2022, the Vikings climbed to No. 8 in 2023, despite losing fellow defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson to free agency. With reinforcements like Jerry Tillery and Jihad Ward, the Vikings hope to keep Phillips fresh throughout the season and continue to build one of the NFL’s most formidable defenses.
In addition to his on-field performance, Phillips’ charitable foundation, *Harrison’s Playmakers*, has had a profound impact on youth facing social and economic challenges. His continued presence in Minnesota will benefit not only the Vikings defense but also the local community for years to come.
