Harrison Phillips Heads to Minnesota on a Three-Year Deal
Josh Frey
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The first eight hours of the legal tampering went by rather quietly for the Minnesota Vikings, but as the sun set in Minneapolis, their first big splash into the free agency pool happened. The Vikings are bringing in former Buffalo Bills DT Harrison Phillips on a three-year contract worth $19.5 million.
This move comes on the heels of rumors regarding Michael Pierce and whether or not he would be released or have his contract restructured. The Vikings would save around $6.23 million by cutting Pierce–ironically right around what Phillips will make per season.
On the surface, it may seem strange to run out a defensive line that includes a trio of Michael Pierce, Harrison Phillips, and Dalvin Tomlinson. All three players are viewed as players that play defensive tackle on the inside. However, it has to be kept in mind that the Vikings are transitioning to playing some 3-4 along the defensive front. I would argue it’s possible to play Pierce at DE in that scenario given his underrated pass-rushing ability. Pierce recorded three sacks over the course of eight games in 2021. Tomlinson recorded seven QB hits this season as well.
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On the other hand, if the Vikings make Michael Pierce a cap casualty, this becomes a net-neutral signing in terms of money. However, Phillips is a player that is four years younger than Pierce at just 26. In addition, he is a run-stuffer that the Vikings are in desperate need of. Once again in 2021, opposing offenses got whatever they wanted on the ground versus Minnesota. The Vikings ranked 29th in the NFL in rushing yards per attempts at 4.7.Phillips anchored the Buffalo Bills in that department, helping them allow just 4.2 yards per attempt. He also recorded a PFF grade of 79.8 against the run.
Don’t get it twisted, this is certainly a surprising first free agency move for a class that had a number of solid interior offensive linemen. The Vikings have a clear need at the guard and center positions, especially with Mason Cole leaving for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Instead, Minnesota watched a number of those top targets go off the market throughout the day and then signed a run-stuffer. Certainly, this is a confusing start to the new regime’s first free agency, but it is far from over. Let’s see what they do over the next few days.
