Minnesota Vikings Eye Defensive Line Upgrade in Free Agency
The Minnesota Vikings are heading into free agency with a clear focus: strengthening the interior of their offensive line. However, with nearly $64 million in salary cap space, the team is also in a strong position to upgrade its defensive line.
One name that has surfaced as a potential target is Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams. According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, Williams is projected to land in Minnesota on a four-year, $96 million deal, including $75 million guaranteed. Seifert highlighted the Vikings’ previous interest in bolstering their defensive front, referencing their attempt to sign Christian Wilkins last offseason.
“The Vikings tried to sign free agent Christian Wilkins last season to give them some juice on the interior of the defensive line, and they’ll take another swing here,” Seifert wrote. “Over the past two seasons, they have 91 sacks — but only nine have come from defensive tackles.”
Williams, who will turn 26 next season, is expected to be one of the most sought-after defensive tackles in free agency. The Denver Broncos and New England Patriots are also rumored to be interested, but ESPN’s Dan Graziano believes Minnesota will ultimately win the bidding war.
“It was between Minnesota and Denver, and the fourth year on the deal and the stronger guarantee push this toward the Vikings,” Graziano noted. “This is also a team that won 14 games last season, and while there’s a lot to like about Denver’s trajectory, the Vikings are already a contender. They give Williams the best chance to get back to the Super Bowl soon.”
Sam Darnold Likely on the Move
One key decision Minnesota faced entering free agency was whether to apply the franchise tag. The two primary candidates were quarterback Sam Darnold and cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., but the Vikings ultimately opted against tagging either player. Darnold’s tag would have cost over $40 million for a one-year deal, while Murphy’s would have exceeded $20 million, per Over The Cap.
With Darnold now expected to hit the open market, the Vikings are poised to move forward with second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy under center. The team will likely look to add a veteran signal-caller as a backup or potential bridge starter for the 2025 season.
Vikings Secondary Set for Major Overhaul
Minnesota’s secondary could see significant turnover in 2025, with four of five starters set to become free agents. Murphy, who put together a standout season with six interceptions in 2024, is expected to command up to $22 million annually on the open market.
Additionally, longtime safety Harrison Smith faces an uncertain future. The 35-year-old veteran could opt for retirement, or the Vikings may be forced to part ways with him unless they can agree to a contract restructure. Under his current deal, Minnesota would owe Smith $25 million in 2026.
Reinforcements Coming to the Offensive Line?
While defense remains a priority, the Vikings have been transparent about their plans to invest in the offensive line this offseason. One name to watch is Will Fries of the Indianapolis Colts. The 25-year-old guard is expected to sign a multiyear contract, potentially filling a key role in Minnesota’s interior line.
With a busy free agency period ahead, the Vikings have several pressing needs to address. Whether it’s securing a dominant defensive tackle, retaining key pieces in the secondary, or adding protection for McCarthy, Minnesota’s front office will need to be aggressive to remain a top contender in the NFC.
