Vikings, Eric Wilson Agree to Three-Year Deal on Eve of Free Agency

EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings moved swiftly on the eve of free agency, locking up linebacker Eric Wilson with a three-year, $22.5 million contract that ensures the 31-year-old will remain in purple through the 2027 season, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. The pact, negotiated by Ryan Williams of AthletesFirst, includes $12.5 million fully guaranteed and more than doubles Wilson’s previous average annual salary.

Wilson’s return became a formality after a historic 2025 campaign in which he logged 115 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles—becoming the first player since the NFL began tracking those statistics to hit all four benchmarks in a single season. He played nearly 1,000 defensive snaps across 17 games and recorded a career-best 37 quarterback pressures, seven more than any other off-ball linebacker in the league.

The Cincinnati product originally arrived in Minnesota as an undrafted free agent in 2017 and enjoyed a breakout 2020 season (122 tackles, 3 sacks, 3 interceptions) before stints with Philadelphia, Houston, and Green Bay. He re-signed with the Vikings last spring on a one-year, $2.6 million deal and quickly emerged as the ideal chess piece in Brian Flores’ aggressive scheme, complementing fellow linebacker Blake Cashman with downhill thump and blitz versatility.

While the contract technically runs through Wilson’s age-34 season, the structure is expected to give the Vikings flexibility to pivot after two years if desired. The agreement also removes one of the team’s priority free agents from the open market just before Monday’s 11 a.m. CT launch of the league’s legal tampering window.

Minnesota still faces decisions on other pending free agents, including wide receiver Jalen Nailor, quarterback Carson Wentz, and punter Ryan Wright.