Last season, the Minnesota Vikings transitioned the edge rush to a pair of new faces in the form of Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard. That decision worked out and both have since earned contract extensions. They also drafted Dallas Turner out of Alabama No. 17 overall.

That same offseason, the front office also inked former Gopher Blake Cashman, to play alongside 2023 UDFA-turned-starter, Ivan Pace Jr., who’s since become a Viking fan favorite. And during the 2024 regular season, Minnesota’s investment on defense began to immediately pay dividends.

Together, the fivesome above accounted for 34 of Minnesota’s 48 sacks last season, led by Greenard and VanGinkel, who put up 23.5 all by themselves. They also claimed 1/3 of the team’s tackles (342/1094).

But even after the successful construction project last season, there was one clear weak spot on the front seven and it was up the middle of the defensive line. So, during the 2025 offseason, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah went back to work.

Defensive additions cement Minnesota Vikings front seven

This spring, the Minnesota Vikings replaced Jonathan Bullard and Jerry Tillery with Pro Bowl caliber interior defensive linemen, Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, upgrades that, on paper, should lift the Vikings defense both against the run and especially the pass.

Longtime football analytics guy, Warren Sharp (Sharp Football) agrees. On Monday, he ranked the MN Vikings front seven as the best in the entire league, up 24 spots from 2024.

The biggest mover across our entire rankings was the Minnesota front seven, which jumped 24 spots to No. 1 this year. The Vikings added both Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave to a defensive front that finished sixth in pressure rate and fourth in sacks last season. 

Warren Sharp – Sharp Football

It’s certainly a shock to see the Minnesota Vikings front seven ranked as the best in the sport. If anything though, it’s a reflection of just how close they were to having one of the most dominant defenses in the league last seaosn

The edge rushers and linebackers were already in place. Harrison Phillips is a legitimate piece and remains as such. But now, the additions of Hargrave and Allen should make the 2025 Vikings defense look more like the purple people eaters than anything we have seen in a long time.

Of course, both Allen and Hargrave are in their 30s and come with injury concerns. After eight relatively healthy NFL seasons, Hargrave played just three games for San Francisco last year. He tore his right triceps and finished with just one sack and seven tackles. He’s now 32 years old and will have to remain on the field for the Vikings.

Some of Javon Hargrave’s reps from the other night

What’s insane is a guy his size should not be able to move the way he does 🤯 pic.twitter.com/qOhAhir2Ul

— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) September 24, 2023

Related: Bears Nearly Drafted JJ McCarthy Over Caleb Williams with No. 1 Pick

Allen spent the first eight years of his career with Washington. Now he’s 30 years old and coming off an eight game season in which he tore his pectoral muscle. He finished with an underwhelming three sacks in his limited games played last season, part of 19 total tackles.

But Minnesota’s training staff clearly likes where both guys are at physically, opinions that head coach Kevin O’Connell and the rest of the organization hold in the highest (damn near cocky) regard. And if the Vikings’ new interior tandem can stay healthy though, then their latest defensive investment should prove more than worth it.

Is the MN Vikings front seven for real?

Beyond just the new additions though, Minnesota has depth to both push and back them. We already mentioned Dallas Turner, who finished with three sacks in his rookie season and has unlimited room for growth, given his freaky athletic profile.

Dallas Turner #Skol big year 2 otw pic.twitter.com/kqLt3NOAVc

— PassRushDiary🦅 (@PassRushDiary) July 15, 2025

There could be more from talents who pop at camp too, including youngsters like Bo Richter and Gabriel Murphy as well. The Minnesota Vikings also used a fifth round pick this April on Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, one of the most athletic late round picks in the draft.

Inside linebacker Kobe King comes in as a sixth round pick. They also went out and got a deal done with veteran free agent linebacker, Eric Wilson, and he already has familiarity here.

In short, the Vikings are in a position to make noise in the NFC North. If new starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy can shoulder the load offensively, this is a defense prepared to win football games.

More must-reads:

• Minnesota Vikings Land More Young Talent on Defense
• Minnesota Vikings Fail to Find Trade Partner for Former 1st Round Pick
• Vikings FA Visitor Hanging Out with Division Rival

The Minnesota Vikings have been incredibly busy during free agency, thus far. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has focused on building up both the offensive and defensive lines.

They’ve also solidified their offensive and defensive backfields by re-signing Byron Murphy Jr., Harrison Smith and Aaron Jones, while also snagging additional talent for both, in RB Jordan Mason and CB Isaiah Rodgers.

But still, defensive coordinator Brian Flores was in need of more cornerback help between now and training camp, after losing two of his starting three CBs from last season. Mekhi Blackmon is returning from a season-ending injury and Dwight McGlothern is still considered a raw NFL talent.

Minnesota Vikings sign Jeff Okudah

All of the moving and grooving in the secondary early this offseason left room (and a need) for another move in the secondary, something we saw come to fruition on Tuesday morning when it was announced that former top 3 overall draft pick, Jeff Okudah, was signing with the Minnesota Vikings, after completing a successful overnight visit in Eagan that started on Monday.

Vikings and CB Jeff Okudah reached agreement today on a one-year contract, per @UniSportsMgmt CEO Kevin Conner. The 26-year-old Okudah had multiple options, but chose to return to the NFC North, this time with the Vikings to play for DC Brian Flores. pic.twitter.com/Kpio0LeWa7

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2025

Jeff Okudah was taken third overall by the Detroit Lions in the 2020 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, his time as a Lion did not go as projected for the Ohio State Buckeye, who played just 25 games (22 starts) across three full seasons, while struggling with injuries and high expectations.

Okudah has been out of the division the past two years, spending time in both Atlanta and Houston, but his injury issues followed him south from Detroit. In 2023, with the Falcons, Jeff Okudah played 13 games, missing 5 games due to an ankle injury. In 2024, year with the Texans, he missed nine games with a hip injury.

The MN Vikings bringing in Okudah likely won’t stop them from targeting another starting caliber player at the position, whether that’s via free agency, the draft or trade. Betting on Okudah to play starting-caliber snaps is not a good investment plan.

The Texans wanted to use CB Jeff Okudah as their slot CB in press man

Unfortunately he had one of those reps that breaks the coaches trust

In press man CB’s are supposed to hold inside leverage no matter what, Okudah instantly gives it up biting on an outside foot jab pic.twitter.com/SzDIIBGOaC

— Drew (@IndepthTexans) November 21, 2024

In his six games (0 starts) last season with Houston, Okudah recorded just nine total tackles and a single pass defensed. The former Buckeye star hasn’t picked off a pass since 2022, and has just a pair of them over the course of his 5-year NFL career.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Free Agency Signings – 2025

It’s likely that Minnesota sees Okudah as a decent buy-low candidate that they may wind up getting something out of. The depth at the position was all but depleted after 2024 and building that up for 2025 had to be a focal point.

On just a one-year deal, Okudah is hoping the Minnesota Vikings can provide the type of bounce back landing spot they have for other one-and-done former stand-out talents who have hit a low-point in their careers. Guys like bust QB turned MVP candidate, Sam Darnold and over-the-hill running back (at the time), Aaron Jones. Both guys saw their free agency value increase significantly, following their one-and-done season in purple.

Cornerback room taking shape for MN Vikings

As things stand now Mekhi Blackmon would start for the Vikings alongside Isaiah Rodgers and Byron Murphy Jr. That’s probably not where Brian Flores wants the position to be. Okudah can bring some depth and push for starting time. He won’t rule out Minnesota using an early draft pick on a potential starter.

Right now the Vikings have the 24th overall pick in April’s NFL Draft. They picked up a third round compensatory selection thanks to Kirk Cousins. It’s possible that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah trades back and looks to generate additional draft capital. If he sticks and picks, then cornerback in the first round makes sense.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Fail to Find Trade Partner for Former 1st Round Pick

The Vikings clearly have done a good amount of work to refill the funnel in the secondary, but they have to improve. Only Jacksonville, Baltimore, and Tampa Bay gave up more passing yards than the Vikings did last season.

More must-reads:

• MN Vikings Front Seven Ranked… No. 1 in NFL?
• Minnesota Vikings Fail to Find Trade Partner for Former 1st Round Pick
• Vikings FA Visitor Hanging Out with Division Rival

The new league year isn’t even a week old yet and the Minnesota Vikings have already had one of the best and most productive offseasons in franchise history.

Since NFL free agency officially began on Wednesday, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has signed two interior offensive line starters, two interior defensive line starters and re-signed their two highest defensive back priorities. Running back questions have also been answered, as have depth problems at linebacker.

Unfortunately you can’t keep everyone. That’s proven true for the Vikings, who have been forced to let plenty of talent walk out the door for very little in return. They failed to find a trade partner for QB Sam Darnold, who hit it (somewhat) big in free agency, signing a 3-year, $100 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks.

Cam Bynum left via free agency, as well. So did current top remaining free agent Cam Robinson and Johnny Mundt, among others. Then last week, the Vikings traded right guard Ed Ingram for a 6th round pick, then flipped that pick to the 49ers for running back, Jordan Mason.

Minnesota Vikings releasing center Garrett Bradbury

Unfortunately, the Minnesota Vikings could not do the same thing for 2019 No. 18 overall pick, center Garrett Bradbury. Thus, the team announced Monday that they are releasing the 29-year-old, 6-year starter with a post-June 1 designation, which allows Kwesi to spread out Bradbury’s $2.4M dead cap penalty over the next two seasons, instead of taking it all on in 2025.

We have released C Garrett Bradbury.

We're appreciative of everything Garrett did in his six seasons in Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/NTxHTEc1QC

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 17, 2025

Garrett Bradbury started all 88 games he played on the Minnesota Vikings offensive line, but he never reached the mid-first round potential he was drafted to be, which at the center position, should be annual All-Pro selections. Instead, Bradbury failed to even make a Pro Bowl while snapping footballs in purple.

Related: Minnesota Vikings in Contact with Another Veteran QB

As PFF helps prove, Garrett Bradbury is a much better run blocker than he is a pass blocker, something that continually showed itself during his six seasons with the MN Vikings, posting a 65.5 run block grade or higher ever season since he was a rookie. Unfortunately, his pass block grades spent more time in the thirties and forties, than it did above 55…

More must-reads:

• MN Vikings Front Seven Ranked… No. 1 in NFL?
• Minnesota Vikings Land More Young Talent on Defense
• Vikings FA Visitor Hanging Out with Division Rival

The Minnesota Vikings have done plenty of the heavy lifting during free agency already. They have fortified their offensive line while building in the trenches on defense. They still need a veteran quarterback addition and could use upgrades or depth pieces elsewhere, too, including WR, S, CB and possibly others.

While most of their free agent signings over the past week have happened without any sort of visit, there have been some non-contract players shopping the market who have stopped by TCO Performance Center. Today, Kevin O’Connell & Co are hosting former top 3 overall draft pick Jeff Okudah on a visit.

Okudah’s visit in Eagan comes exactly one week after reports initially broke that Commanders DT Jonathan Allen was on a visit at TCO Performance Center for the start of the NFL negotiating period last Monday. Allen agreed to terms in Minnesota the next morning and has since signed his deal.

Rondale Moore visiting rival Chicago Bears

But not all visits have ended as successfully as Allen’s did. For example, late last week, the the MN Vikings announced on social media that 25-year-old speedy wide receiver, Rondale Moore, was on a visit with the Minnesota Vikings.

Unfortunately, the WR3 upgrade left town without a deal in hand. Chatter connecting the two sides has been quiet ever since. Even worse, Ian Rapoport reported late Monday morning that Moore is in Chicago visiting with the division rival Bears today.

FA WR Rondale Moore, who visited the #Vikings last week, is visiting the #Bears today, per me and @MikeGarafolo.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2025

A former second round pick by the Arizona Cardinals, Rondale Moore is available on the open market after four seasons. In 2023 he played in all 17 games and started eight. Across 39 games he has totaled 1,201 yards and three touchdowns. He was traded to Atlanta and then didn’t play in 2024 due to a knee injury suffered in August.

Related: Minnesota Vikings in Contact with Another Veteran QB

It stands to reason that the speedster would present an upgrade in the slot over Jalen Nailor. He could also operate in a bit more space should Jordan Addison be suspended. That vision didn’t materialize during his initial visit with the Vikings and now he’s talking to the Bears.

What does Chicago have to offer Moore that Minnesota Vikings do not?

Right now Chicago has just two established starting wide receivers. Rome Odunze and D.J. Moore figure to be quarterback Caleb Williams’ top targets. Olamide Zaccheaus is the projected slot starter, but Moore may feel as though he can beat him out.

Any decision to sign with Chicago would need to be made through the vein of belief in Williams, and new direction under head coach Ben Johnson. Moore has certainly seen how capable of an offense that Minnesota has, and that should remain as Kevin O’Connell breaks in young quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

Rondale Moore would be an excellent addition to the Bears WR room.

He runs a 4.29 – 40, has a 42.5 inch vertical and is still only 24. Ben Johnson would be able to unlock his potential. pic.twitter.com/5Lkl3nM6kc

— Caleb Williams Fan Club (@CalebFC18) March 17, 2025

Related: Vikings Hosting Former Top 3 Draft Pick for Free Agency Visit

Moore will be looking to show he’s worthy of a long-term contract in 2026 after missing the 2024 season. He has never made more than $1.6 million in a season, and finding a spot where he can contribute at a high level should be the goal.

If it’s not going to be Moore for the Vikings, they will continue to kick the tires on other free agent options as well as look in the draft. Lucky Jackson, Jeshaun Jones, and Thomas Thayer won’t push Nailor enough. Someone else has to.

More must-reads:

• MN Vikings Front Seven Ranked… No. 1 in NFL?
• Minnesota Vikings Land More Young Talent on Defense
• Minnesota Vikings Fail to Find Trade Partner for Former 1st Round Pick

The Minnesota Vikings were one of the most active teams in the NFL last week, during the league’s free agency negotiating (legal tampering) period. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and an empowered head coach, in Kevin O’Connell, teamed up to address most of the major needs on the 2025 roster before we can even smell the draft over the horizon.

• Add major beef iOL and iDL: CHECK
• Re-sign most important defensive backs: CHECK
• A one-two punch at RB that may actually scare teams: CHECK
• Some better depth at LB, who excels on special teams: CHECK
• Sign a veteran QB to pair with JJ McCarthy: _________

Of course, Aaron Rodgers, all of Minnesota Vikings nation (and really, the entire NFL) await Kevin O’Connell’s final decision on whether or not to sign the 41-year-old lightning rod quarterback. But while it may seem like that’s the only topic on everyone’s mind over the past week, the Vikings are still working in the shadows to make this 2025 squad better all around.

Most of the free agents Kwesi & Co have targeted are already signed or agreed to terms, but there are other available players the Vikings are going after, but have yet to land. They hosted WR Rondale Moore on Friday, who he left town without signing on the dotted line.

Minnesota Vikings hosting CB Jeff Okudah on free agency visit

Monday morning, the Vikings announced on their official social media channels that they are hosting 26-year-old cornerback Jeff Okudah, a former No. 3 overall draft pick who spent the first five seasons of his NFL career with NFC North rival Detroit.

CB Jeff Okudah has started his free agent visit with the #Vikings. pic.twitter.com/fU5vDxKTL4

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 17, 2025

Coming out of Ohio State for the 2020 NFL Draft, Jeff Okudah was one of the most beloved cornerback prospects of the past decade, which is why the Lions drafted him in the top three that April. Unfortunately, his time in Detroit did not go as planned. Injuries were a big factor, but Okudah didn’t play well when he did find the field either.

Related: Former Minnesota Viking Ranked Top Remaining Free Agent

Out of a possible 84 games the Detroit Lions have played since selecting Okudah five years ago, he has played only 44 of them, barely 50%. The most games Okudah has played in one NFL season was in 2022, when he started all 15 of the contests he got on the field for. In 2024, the Buckeye legend played in just 6 games, starting 0. PFF? Not a fan.

At 26 years old, nobody is denying the talent Jeff Okudah still possesses. Now, does he have what it takes mentally to make it in the National Football League? Well, given his current career projection, it doesn’t look like he’ll be around much longer.

But, if there is any team that could teach him to be a better pro in a positive way that produces better results on the field, it’s Kevin O’Connell, Brian Flores and the Minnesota Vikings. I’d imagine that this specific free agency visit is more about Vikings brass getting to know the player than vice versa.

More must-reads:

• MN Vikings Front Seven Ranked… No. 1 in NFL?
• Minnesota Vikings Land More Young Talent on Defense
• Minnesota Vikings Fail to Find Trade Partner for Former 1st Round Pick

The Minnesota Vikings immediately made their presence felt during free agency. Thanks to a significant amount of cap space, and coming off a 14-win season, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell have been on a mission over the last week, not just to reload, but upgrade their roster along the way.

This front office still has plenty of work to do, including the upcoming NFL Draft next month. But that didn’t stop ESPN from crowning them as the winners of free agency, after just a few days of the new league year. But a lot of new talent in, also means a boatload of talent out.

Vikings LT Cam Robinson ranked No. 1 remaining free agent

The MN Vikings were forced to trade for Cam Robinson midseason in 2024, after All-Pro caliber left tackle Christian Darrisaw suffered a season-ending injury against the Detroit Lions. He had no desire to come back in 2025, behind Darrisaw, so Robinson hit the open market last week.

As of Sunday evening, the Alabama Crimson Tide alum has yet to find a new employer. His time should come soon, though, as ESPN’s Matt Bowen has Cam ranked as the No. 1 remaining free agent on the market.

1. Cam Robinson, OT

2024 team: Minnesota Vikings | Age entering 2025 season: 29

At 6-foot-6 and 335 pounds, Robinson has the ideal size, length and traits for the tackle position. Technical lapses have prevented him from playing at a consistent level, and his 88.2% pass block win rate last season was below average. But with the ability to engulf rushers at the point of attack and the foot speed to redirect, Robinson has the desired tools.

ESPN

Look at Cam Robinson (74) get out in space and block two players on this screen to Justin Jefferson pic.twitter.com/9ApA9RG1jW

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) December 3, 2024

All but two of Cam Robinson’s 999 snaps last season came at left tackle. He lined up at tight end for his only other two snaps. Cam’s next team will be the third of his NFL career, after spending his first 7.5 seasons in Jacksonville.

Related: Vikings Skyrocket Up NFL O-Line Investment Rankings

There are some positions in football that have more demand than supply, and offensive tackle is among those positions. That’s why the 29-year-old Robinson won’t last much longer in free agency.

More free agents with Minnesota Vikings ties remain

There are still plenty of free agents with ties to the MN Vikings that remain available. Not only did the Minnesota Vikings have 29 players leave this offseason, but there are a lot of prominent free agent names remaining who have previously donned the purple. Here is where Bowen has those names ranked among the remaining crop.

Of course there are more pending free agents with MN Vikings ties than just these three. However, they are the most prominent names still available. Despite Minnesota being in the market for a third wideout, it doesn’t seem like Diggs should or could factor into the discussion.

He tore his ACL last season and played in just eight games for Houston. He probably has plenty left in the tank, but that’s not a personality that will accept a third fiddle role. He had just 496 yards and three touchdowns during his lone season with the Texans.

Related: Vikings Swing Deal for Young RB to Pair with Aaron Jones

Smith moved on to the Browns after a successful resurgence in Minnesota during the 2022 season. He then was dealt to Detroit and played in 17 games while making 16 starts. He had 5.5 and 9 sacks respectively over the past two seasons after recording 10 for Minnesota.

This offseason, the Minnesota Vikings has revamped their offensive line. That meant bringing in both Ryan Kelly at center and Will Fries at guard. It left Bradbury out in the cold and he will now be seeking future employment.

More must-reads:

• MN Vikings Front Seven Ranked… No. 1 in NFL?
• Minnesota Vikings Land More Young Talent on Defense
• Minnesota Vikings Fail to Find Trade Partner for Former 1st Round Pick

Since the free agency window opened on March 10, the Minnesota Vikings have been busy. They’ve made changes to the offense, defense and special teams despite going 14-3 last season. Most of the moves have come in the trenches, with signings and cuts on the O-line and D-line.

With those out of the way, the Vikings have the cap room to add at skill positions. They were rumored to be interested in Cooper Kupp before he signed with the Seahawks. They still need another QB or two (Aaron Rodgers?) on the roster, but in the meantime, they gave Aaron Jones some help in the backfield.

Minnesota Vikings trade for Jordan Mason

The Vikings acquired Jordan Mason from the 49ers on Saturday night, sending a 2026 sixth round pick in return. They also swapped this year’s picks, moving down to pick No. 187 while sending San Francisco No. 160. Kwesi and co. traded Ed Ingram for a sixth round pick earlier this week, so they basically flipped Ingram for Mason.

The Vikings extended Mason upon acquiring him, signing him to a two-year deal worth up to $12 million with $7 million guaranteed. The 49ers gave Mason a $5.3 million second-round tender, so all signs pointed to him backing up Christian McCaffrey for another year. Instead, the Vikings pick up a solid backup for Jones, who they just re-signed to a two-year extension.

Full trade, per sources:

🏈Minnesota sends a 2026 6th-round pick and pick No. 160 this year to San Francisco.

🏈San Francisco sends RB Jordan Mason and pick No. 187 to Minnesota. https://t.co/96ajBj9BiB pic.twitter.com/bRj7U5f1z7

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2025

Jordan Mason has been in the league since 2022, joining the Niners as an undrafted free agent. He broke out last season while McCaffrey was down with an Achilles injury, starting the year as the lead running back. The 25-year-old got his first career start in Week 1 and capitalized, running for 147 yards and a touchdown. He followed that up with another 100-yard performance a week later (against the Minnesota Vikings) and then another in Week 4.

Related: Former Vikings DT Finds Job in AFC West

While he made the most of his opportunities, injuries and CMC’s return slowed Mason’s career season. He suffered an AC joint sprain in his shoulder in Week 6 and re-aggravated it in Week 8. His usage went down after this, as McCaffrey was back and the 49ers did not want to risk more injuries to their backfield. Mason’s season ended after suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 13, placing him on IR.

Before last year, Mason was used sparingly as the Niners’ backup. Most of his work came on special teams, but he did average 6.0 and 5.2 yards per carry in 2022 and 2023, respectively. He rushed for over 2,000 yards in his four years at Georgia Tech.

Jordan Mason: Good at football pic.twitter.com/m1jU5Dss3C

— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) March 16, 2025

How Jordan Mason fits into the fold

With the signing of Mason, the Minnesota Vikings now have him, Cam Akers and Ty Chandler to spell Aaron Jones. It seems like something Cam Akers could certainly be the odd man out here however. The 30-year-old Jones is coming off a year with career highs in carries (255) and snaps (700), so the Vikings figure to have plenty of options to give him rest. Mason’s injury history might be concerning, but adding him as a depth piece could be useful. He led the league in rushing yards for a portion of last season.

Related: Vikings Signing Very Familiar Free Agent Linebacker

The signings of Ryan Kelly and Will Fries also give Mason (and Jones) a bolstered offensive line to run behind. The Vikings weren’t the best when it came to running the ball, but with a young QB projected to start, an offensive shift may be in the works.

More must-reads:

• MN Vikings Front Seven Ranked… No. 1 in NFL?
• Minnesota Vikings Land More Young Talent on Defense
• Minnesota Vikings Fail to Find Trade Partner for Former 1st Round Pick

Last season, the Minnesota Vikings ripped off 14 wins before finally flaming out in their last two games vs the Detroit Lions in week 17, then the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round of the NFC playoffs.

While Kevin O’Connell’s 2024 squad greatly outperformed preseason expectations overall, it was clear all season that their interior offensive and defensive fronts left plenty to be desired, a problem that has persisted for pretty much the past decade.

So, they went on a mission to fix both sides of their trenches this week, when the opening bell rang on NFL free agency, signing two top 15 free agents (The Athletic Top 150), former Commander Jonathan Allen and former Niner Javon Hargrave. The new guys will join veteran team leader Harrison Phillips, who is scheduled to return as part of the upgraded defensive line.

Jerry Tillery leaves Minnesota Vikings for the Chiefs

Other interior defensive linemen from last season’s team, like one of last offseason’s bargain bin free agency pickups Jerry Tillery, are moving on to new workspaces for 2025. On Friday, the former first round pick found his new employer in the AFC West, Super Bowl runner ups, the Kansas City Chiefs.

Sources: The #Chiefs are signing former #Chargers 1st-round DT Jerry Tillery to a 1-year deal.

Good depth add to the Kansas City D-Line, as Tillery has recorded 12.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles in 50 career starts. pic.twitter.com/9aysyt3zdK

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 14, 2025

Tillery is heading back to the AFC West after spending the first three-plus seasons of his career with the Los Angeles Chargers from 2019-2021, after they selected him 28th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. He lasted three and a half seasons there before being dealt to the Las Vegas Raiders. In his career, Jerry Tillery has 96 NFL games under his belt, including 50 starts.

With the MN Vikings, Tillery recorded 28 tackles and three QB hits, while failing to record a single sack for the first time in his 6-year NFL career, which includes 12.5 total sacks, 4 forced fumbles and 40 QB hits in 50 starts (96 total games).

Related: Vikings Signing Very Familiar Free Agent Linebacker

Like the Vikings, Kansas City is bringing in Tillery hoping to extract some additional value from a player once seen with immense upside. Maybe his fourth stop will be where he can put it all together. In Kansas City it stands to reason that Tillery will start alongside defensive tackle Chris Jones.

Vikings’ d-line overhaul appears complete

Last season, the Vikings signed the former Notre Dame beefeater to a one-year deal worth $2.75 million. Tillery was OK, but you get what you pay for. One year later, with money to spend, General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the Minnesota Vikings have already moved on to better things.

Jonathan Allen with the spinning back fist sack pic.twitter.com/tl1kqBvaGm

— mike (@bengals_sans) July 5, 2024

Harrison Phillips is in the final year of his two-year, $15 million contract he agreed to with Minnesota last season. Supplementing his presence with both Allen and Hargrave is huge. The Vikings have gotten just 6.5 sacks from Phillips over the past three seasons.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Hosting Young WR on Free Agency Visit

One year after he accumulated 92 tackles (2023), the MN Vikings saw Phillips’ production slip down to 56 in that same category last year. In 2025, the newly signed Allen and Hargrave bring a combined 97.5 career sacks to the defensive front.

There was never any inclination that Minnesota had interest in retaining Tillery. He goes elsewhere, and Brian Flores has to feel excited about the group he can consistently roll out in the year ahead.

More must-reads:

• MN Vikings Front Seven Ranked… No. 1 in NFL?
• Minnesota Vikings Land More Young Talent on Defense
• Minnesota Vikings Fail to Find Trade Partner for Former 1st Round Pick

If you thought the Minnesota Vikings were going to spend this weekend kicked back, appreciating the incredible amount of work they got done during the first few days of NFL free agency, you were wrong.

Even after pundits around the league have already crowned them as the winners of this free agent cycle, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell are again on the hunt for more talent Friday, trying to improve further one of the most impressive offseasons in recent MN Vikings history.

Minnesota Vikings signing a linebacker you might recognize

Today at TCO Performance Center in Eagan, they are hosting possible future WR3, former Arizona Cardinals 2nd round pick, Rondale Moore. This, after it took only two days for the front office to fix the Vikings’ desperate need for interior offensive line talent, by signing former top tier Colts beef, Ryan Kelly and Will Fries.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Free Agency Signings – 2025

And to add more depth to a defense that now looks like one of the best in the NFL, given the additions of interior defensive linemen, Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, the Vikings reportedly agreed to terms Friday morning with a linebacker whose name may sound familiar, 30-year-old Cincinnati Bearcat alum, Eric Wilson.

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.

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) March 14, 2025

Not only is Eric Wilson a familiar name, because he played for Minnesota’s biggest rival, the Green Bay Packers, each of the past three seasons, but because he was drafted by the Vikings in 2017 and spent the first four seasons of his career (through 2020) in purple. In 2021, he played for Philly and Houston, before finding a more permanent home in Green Bay from 2021 to 2024.

Throughout the course of his 8-year NFL career, Wilson has mostly been a depth linebacker for the teams he has played for. He’s also considered an elite special teams player. But in a pinch, Eric has proven capable of taking on a starting role, which is something he’s been called upon to do multiple times with different teams.

What does Eric Wilson bring back to the Vikings?

Wilson had to start 15 games for the Minnesota Vikings in 2020, and he performed admirably, totaling 122 tackles (8 TFL), 3 sacks, 3 interceptions and 3 forced fumbles. Last year, he started 12 games for the Packers, racking up 72 tackles (7 TFL), 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 1 interception.

CLUTCH interception by Eric Wilson!@Vikings have the ball and the lead in the 4th!

(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/2pQUuQRYi8

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 12, 2020

Eric Wilson is signing with the Vikings…

We will always have this moment Eric 🙌
pic.twitter.com/GHobid6U1S

— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) March 14, 2025

Given the group of middle linebackers that the Vikings have right now, with fellow former Bearcat, Ivan Pace Jr and former one of us Gopher alum, Blake Cashman holding down starting foels, Wilson looks like he will slot in as the perfect 3rd option to those two.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Add New Tackle to Offensive Line

Now in his 30’s, Eric Wilson will make a weekly noticeable impact on special teams for the Minnesota Vikings, when he’s not needed for regular snaps on defense. But without a doubt, this is a dude who has also proven he can fill in as a starter without defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ scheme having to skip a beat.

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• MN Vikings Front Seven Ranked… No. 1 in NFL?
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• Minnesota Vikings Fail to Find Trade Partner for Former 1st Round Pick

The Minnesota Vikings have been very, very busy this week, paying off promises they made entering the offseason to improve the offensive and defensive interior lines, while retaining key secondary pieces in Harrison Smith and Byron Murphy Jr.

But general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell are far from done. Hell, we still have over a month of free agency remaining before the draft, on April 24, let alone training camp in late July. Thus, the Vikings woke up this morning, just like they have the rest of this week, ready to get better.

Minnesota Vikings hosting WR free agent on visit

That’s why they are hosting a very intriguing free agent wide receiver this morning, in Eagan — former Arizona Cardinals 2nd round draft pick Rondale Moore — according to the Vikings’ official X account. The young speedster out of Purdue is enjoying free agency for the first time in his young career.

WR Rondale Moore has started his free agent visit with the #Vikings. pic.twitter.com/BFJ7NzTTrn

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 14, 2025

How young is Rondale Moore? The 5’7″, 180 lb slot specialist — who was taken No. 49 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft — is just 24 years, 278 days old. If signed, he wouldn’t just line up in between Jordan Addison (23 y/o) and Justin Jefferson (25 y/o) on the football field, he’d slot in directly between the Vikings’ WR1 and WR2 in age, as well.

The Arizona Cardinal traded Moore to the Atlanta Falcons on this exact date (March 14), 2024. Unfortunately, Moore suffered a season-ending knee injury just a few months later (August 8), during a joint practice between the Falcons and Miami Dolphins.

What would Rondale Moore bring to the Vikings?

During his three-year NFL career, with Kyler Murray and Kirk Cousins as his QB for most of his 39 games played, Moore has struggled to find that next gear, as a pass-catcher, totaling just 1,201 yards and 3 receiving touchdowns on 135 receptions.

Rondale Moore visiting the Vikings is a really smart move.

Former 2nd-round pick and only 24. He’s dynamic and explosive with the ball and has great YAC when healthy.

Injuries have been an issue, he perfectly fits Kwesi’s strategy—low risk, high reward. This has real potential pic.twitter.com/l16WDQT0v6

— Matt Anderson (@MattAnderson_8) March 14, 2025

Rondale Moore’s best season, from a receiving production standpoint, came as a rookie when he posted 435 yards receiving, on 54 receptions. In 2023, his final season with Arizona (and on an NFL football field), the Cardinals seemed to unlock a new weapon to their offense, with Moore.

Related: NFL Pundit Doubts Former Vikings Can Succeed Without the QB Whisperer

They started handing him the football, not just throwing it to him. After taking just 6 carries in 2022, Moore carried the ball 28 times in 2023 and he paid them off with 178 yards rushing (6.4 YPC) and 1 TD.

Rondale Moore could be the perfect WR3 fit for the Minnesota Vikings in 2025, and possibly beyond. We’ll see if that’s how he feels while visiting TCO Performance Center today…

More must-reads:

• MN Vikings Front Seven Ranked… No. 1 in NFL?
• Minnesota Vikings Land More Young Talent on Defense
• Minnesota Vikings Fail to Find Trade Partner for Former 1st Round Pick