For a Cool $88 Million, The Vikings Signed a “Tree Stump”
Admittedly, the description doesn’t appear to be the most flattering; being a “tree stump” surely leaves something to be desired, right? Does that simple idea remain true for an offensive lineman?
Back in March, the Vikings signed right guard Will Fries to a beefy contract, doing so after much jostling within the NFL. Offensive coordinator Wes Phillips got asked about the first-year Viking and five-year NFL veteran. The comparison was to a tree stump due to being sturdy and unmovable.
The Vikings Signed an $88M “Tree Stump”
Due to his last name (presumably), Mr. Fries goes by the nickname “Spud.” Maybe that will need to get adjusted.
The moment from Coach Phillips was circulated online, snipped to fit a brief one-minute video. “Will is the same everyday,” the OC begins, “he comes out, he works, he’s physical.” And then there’s the comparison: “He’s kind of the tree stump in there. It’s a very large tree stump, like a redwood that was cut down, just planted right in there.”
Phillips proceeds further.
Kick it back to the offensive coordinator: “Will is like the ultimate o-lineman. He just wants to go out and kick ass. Come off the rock and hit people. You love that about him.” Shortly thereafter, there’s a description of Fries being someone who is getting better, a player who still has more to uncover within his game.
So, lots of good within those thoughts.
The 6’6″, 305-pound guard plays with grit and nastiness. The RG1 has soaked up the most snaps of any Vikings offensive lineman, getting onto the field for 537 snaps (98% of the total for the offense). He has started all nine games. And while Kevin O’Connell has so far left the promise of run/pass balance unfulfilled, Mr. Fries got tossed into the mix due to his ability as a mean mauler.
Per PFF, Will Fries has been guilty of allowing 1 sack, 2 quarterback hits, and 20 pressures. Note, as well, that he has prompted referees to toss laundry onto the field on a trio of occasions.
With a 57.2 grade, Fries has left a decent amount of meat on the bone, but he’s coming off a 2024 season where he missed most of the year due to injury. Very reasonably, Fries could still be working his way back up to fully finding his game even if his health has been promising.
Another factor that could end up working in his favor is that Ryan Kelly is inching toward a return.
Janik Eckardt of PurplePTSD discusses the team’s decision to open Kelly’s 21-day practice window: “McCarthy is benefiting from a healthier offensive line than what Carson Wentz had to deal with for a while. At one point, the veteran played with only Will Fries from the intended starting unit.”
Just as a quarterback benefits from having the starting center in the lineup, the guards do, as well. Being able to communicate at a high level with ones blocking buddy does make a difference.
In March, Will Fries agreed to offer his services in the Twin Cities when the Vikings signed him to a five-year agreement for a hair below $88 million. The 27-year-old hasn’t yet arrived at his ceiling, so the coaches and player are working on seeing him fulfill the potential within him.
Next up for Minnesota is a Chicago game on Sunday, November 16th.
