A Former Vikings Defender Is Coming Home
In the first week of free agency, the Vikings have been busy fixing both offensive and defensive lines. The signings of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave have created just as much buzz as the arrivals of Will Fries and Ryan Kelly.
A Former Vikings Defender Is Coming Home
Since the first wave of free agency concluded, the club has focused on fixing some depth issues. On Thursday, the team announced that swing tackle Justin Skule would join the roster.
A day later, news dropped that a new linebacker would wear the purple uniform. Eric Wilson, once a Rick Spielman undrafted rookie signing, will return to the Twin Cities after a few years in Green Bay.
Alec Lewis (The Athletic) had the news item first: “Sounds like the Vikings have agreed to terms with former Packers LB Eric Wilson, per source. Wilson played more than 500 defensive snaps last year in GB, key special teamer as well. Vikings needed depth with Kamu Grugier-Hill becoming FA.”
Minnesota needed a new linebacker, with Kamu Grugier-Hill on his way out. The veteran signed a one-year deal a year ago, which has now expired.
The official social media account has confirmed the move.
Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace Jr. will continue to get all the linebacker snaps they can handle, but depth is necessary, as the duo proved in 2024 when they missed a combined nine contests. Grugier-Hill stepped in a few times, and safety Joshua Metellus received more reps at that spot, but that cost the Vikes some versatility.
Wilson is an upgrade at the LB3 position. He is just coming off a season with over 500 defensive snaps.
The linebacker joined in 2017 and left the Vikings following the 2020 season, in which he was a full-time starter because of Anthony Barr’s injury, and signed with the Eagles. Halfway through the season, Philadelphia said goodbye to their starting linebacker, and the Texans claimed him off waivers.
His next stint was with the Saints, but he only managed to get a practice squad slot. The Packers snatched the defender in October 2022 when they desperately needed some depth. Prior to his recent free-agency journey, he had been with the Packers ever since.
Now, he’s back on the right side of the border battle. Despite his status as an undrafted player, Wilson has had a nice career, already spending eight seasons in the league. He played in 125 contests with 39 starts. On his resume are 400 tackles, 11 sacks, 27 tackles for loss, and five interceptions. Wilson has logged 2,762 defensive snaps.
In addition to his defensive skills, he has always been a key special teamer, showcased by his 1,942 special teams snaps. Special teams coordinator Matt Daniels will be happy about the new guy. Just a couple of days earlier, Tavierre Thomas, another premier special teamer, was acquired.
Wilson will turn 31 a few weeks after the season opener.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
Free Agent WR Is Visiting the Vikings
Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt