Instead of trying to catch up on sleep, though, the Vikings took a different approach — moving quickly to get players into their hotel rooms and out onto the practice field ASAP. The objective was to make it through the first day of the trip without sleeping off the time change.

And just like the game time later this weekend, which kicks off at 8:30 a.m. (CDT), the Vikings’ Dublin-timed itinerary Friday meant earlier than normal updates from practice, back in the states..

Final MN Vikings injury report (week 4): Andrew Van Ginkel – OUT

Unfortunately, it wasn’t the positive news we Minnesotans were waiting next to the mailbox for. Andrew Van Ginkel missed practice for the third-straight day, and has been ruled out vs the Steelers. Nobody should be surprised by today’s official announcement, but it’s undoubtedly disappointing.

On the bright side, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave — who the Vikings signed this offseason as a feature free agent — practiced in-full on Friday and enters the weekend without an injury designation. He had been limited at practice all week.

#MINvsPIT final injury report

OUT: Donovan Jackson, J.J. McCarthy, Andrew Van Ginkel and Ben Yurosek pic.twitter.com/HGfsT1bqAE

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 26, 2025

Andrew Van Ginkel’s absence from the active roster on Sunday will be his second in four games. Last week, he was limited to just 8 snaps, which he used to attain his first two sacks of 2025. No doubt, Aaron Rodgers will sleep easier tonight, after he threw a pick-six to Van Ginkel in London last season.

The Minnesota Vikings will now rely more on Dallas Turner to provide them talent on the edge defensively vs Pittsburgh. Drafted with the No. 17 overall pick in 2024, Turner is coming off what might have been his best game as a pro, against the Bengals — 34 snaps, 5 tackles, 4 QB hurries, 1 QB hit, 66.7 PFF Grade.

Dallas Turner had a great game on Sunday in all facets. He's doing everything well, and his instincts are improving each week pic.twitter.com/PeqxbWZThX

— Tyler Forness (@TheRealForno) September 22, 2025

In theory, the MN Vikings intentional approach to avoid sleep today should make players and coaches extra-tired before hitting their hotel pillows tonight.

The hope is that they wake up feeling refreshed on Saturday, for what they hope will be a normal (as possible) day-before-game routine. It’s the same type of approach they took to their one-weekend London trip in 2024.

Even earlier this week, after we thought they had made it through a convincing victory over the Cincinnati Bengals relatively healthy, with reinforcements on the way, KOC revealed Monday afternoon that rookie left guard Donovan Jackson had undergone previously scheduled wrist surgery that morning.

The No. 23 overall pick is expected to be out through the bye week, at least. To make matters worse, on Wednesday when the official injury report came out, standout pass rusher Andrew Van Ginkel was a “DNP” with a nick injury.

Andrew Van Ginkel dealing with training camp injury for MN Vikings

O’Connell reminded us that Van Ginkel’s injury is something he and the Vikings have been treating and working through since training camp. Even so, if his status isn’t upgraded on Thursday, there should be real concern about his availability for Sunday morning (local time), in Dublin.

Head Coach Kevin O’Connell on Andrew Van Ginkel not participating in today's practice. pic.twitter.com/ZOB3z2c40N

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 24, 2025

“He came out of the game feeling good. Then he just has had some residual issues, more tied to, probably the neck I would say. He’s out of the protocol and cleared that through the medical process last week. Now we’re just working through what his week is gonna look like leading into Sunday.”

Kevin O’Connell

Van Ginkel returned to the starting lineup in Sunday’s blowout win, after missing week 2 against the Falcons with a concussion he suffered in week 1 vs the Bears. He played just 8 snaps against the Bengals, but collected 2 sacks and one additional QB hit.

Through two games this season, Van Ginkel has the pair of sacks he collected in week three, to go with seven total tackles. With Jonathan Greenard working the other side and Dallas Turner emerging as another elite pass rushing weapon, the Minnesota Vikings roster may have the most formidable group of EDGE rushers in the league.

But if Van Ginkel is unable to go, as was the case in Week 2, then Brian Flores will tap Turner to play an expanded role in Dublin. The former Alabama phenom has a single sack this season, along with nine tackles, two quarterback hits, and one tackle for loss, but his presence has been much more noticeable than 2024, if you are watching the games.

Veterans return for Minnesota Vikings offensive line

Week 3 was the 2025 debut of Christian Darrisaw on the MN Vikings offensive line. With Ryan Kelly out due to a concussion, the starting front five was not complete. Unfortunately, that will continue for the foreseeable future, as we await Jackson’s return.

Thankfully, it does sound like Ryan Kelly will start at center, down the line from Darrsaw, for the first time. If last week was any primer, that should mean good things for both Jordan Mason and Carson Wentz.

Head Coach Kevin O’Connell provides an injury update prior to today’s practice. pic.twitter.com/QZP2HClCqP

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 24, 2025

“Ryan Kelly and Justin Skule will be full participants today. Jonathan Allen will get a veteran rest day. Javon Hargrave and Andrew Van Ginkel, we’ll hold out today. We’re hoping to work them back in as the week goes on.”

Kevin O’Connell

Among the other names O’Connell mentioned, it sounds like Javon Hargrave will get right by Sunday morning. The same cannot be said for Ben Yurosek. If he is unable to go, veteran Nick Vannett will likely be elevated from the practice squad.

After weeks of being ravaged by injuries throughout the starting roster, the Vikings needed the law of averages to help them out this week. While Sunday afternoon went better than weeks one and two, the Vikings couldn’t escape unsathed.

Multiple Minnesota players left the game, at one point or another vs the Bengals. Some returned, others did not. In all reality, though, it became difficult to decipher between who was exiting the blowout due to injury vs who was being pulled for garbage time rest.

Thankfully, head coach Kevin O’Connell took to the press conference podium on Monday at TCO Performance Center to catch all of us up on how the MN Vikings came out of their win over the Bengals, from a health perspective.

Minnesota Vikings injury update heading into week 4

The biggest update of the day came in regards to rookie left guard, Donovan Jackson, who as it turns out, played Sunday knowing he was about to receive surgery on his wrist that KOC says will keep him out until after the week 6 bye.

Head Coach Kevin O’Connell provides an injury update on Donovan Jackson. pic.twitter.com/8JYFt7Z6h9

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 22, 2025

“Donovan Jackson suffered a wrist injury against Atlanta that [will] require surgery. He had that this morning, in Los Angeles, as part of a planned surgery. It was determined last week that he could play in the football game and not do any further harm.”

Kevin O’Connell gives MN Vikings injury update – Monday, Sept 22

In the video above, O’Connell says hints at the probably return of Ryan Kelly and Justin Skule, who both missed week 3 with concussions. Defensive lineman Javon Hargrave will receive treatment on an undisclosed injury he suffered vs the Bengals.

Thankfully, he is expected to be a go six days from now, when the Vikings play the Pittsburgh Steelers overseas in Dublin, Ireland. The only other injury mentioned by KOC was on backup tight end Ben Yurosek (knee contusion). Unfortunately, the head coach was not as confident in his availability for week 4.

Head Coach Kevin O’Connell provides an injury update for Javon Hargrave and Ben Yurosek. pic.twitter.com/040eUWvMRv

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 22, 2025

“Don’t really have an update on [Javon] Hargrave. He came out sore but in a good spot. He should be able to work through the week and be available [on Sunday].

And then one more addition, Ben Yurosek came out with a knee contusion. I thought he did a great job battling through it, especially as we started pulling guys with quite a bit of the football game left. We’ll see how his week goes. We do have Nick Vannett on the roster too so we will be in good shape at that position.”

Kevin O’Connell gives MN Vikings injury update – Monday, Sept 22

Vikings getting healthier…

In week 3, the Minnesota Vikings replaced an injured JJ McCarthy with veteran Carson Wentz. Not only did that allow the former some time to recover, but it also gave the offense a shot of competency that was palpable from the very start of the game.

Wentz will be under center again in Dublin (and London). He will again have the help of Christian Darrisaw to protect his blindside, a luxury McCarthy did not get during his two starts. Andrew Van Ginkel, Harrison Smith and Jeff Okudah back also returned from various injuries last week.

In week 4, the offense will add another playmaker to the mix, with Jordan Addison coming back from his three-game suspension. Outside of the Donovan Jackson injury, the Minnesota Vikings will go overseas for the next two weeks with their best team yet this season.

On Sunday the Vikings got a handful of key starters back, and it was clear to see how much of a difference they made. Beyond just that, it appears that Kevin O’Connell’s team will head across the pond no worse for the wear.

Kevin O’Connell reveals no new significant injuries

Minnesota coaches and personnel won’t be able to exhale until the Vikings return to the building on Monday. It was then, last week, that J.J. McCarthy was revealed to have suffered an ankle injury. However, the head coach addressed a pair of players that exited during the game and both get good news.

Kevin O’Connell said Javon Hargrave had a chest/rib contusion, and could have come back if needed.

Christian Darrisaw could have continued, as well, but O’Connell said the #Vikings got exactly what they wanted from the left tackle’s snap count.

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) September 21, 2025

Hargrave missed time in the second half after suffering the chest injury. Minnesota’s front seven continued to get a ridiculous push against the Bengals and sacked Browning three times, adding a fourth against Brett Rypien. They didn’t need the star defensive tackle and that gave him additional time to rest.

Christian Darrisaw, who was active on Sunday for the first time this season, also missed some time in the middle of the contest. Blake Brandel was at left tackle out of the half, and Darrisaw was on the bike. He would return later, but didn’t need to remain on the field for unnecessary reps to close out a laugher.

Jeff Okudah headed to the medical tent.

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) September 21, 2025

Vikings cornerback Jeff Okudah, who suffered a concussion last week against the Falcons, also spent time injured in this contest. He would return though, and finished the game.

Minnesota Vikings fly with health trending up

The Minnesota Vikings emerging from a win with a clean bill of health is as positive as the result itself. The Vikings had things in hand early against the Bengals, and they could have seen something catastrophic come their way despite the result.

It’s still going to be the Carson Wentz show in Week 4, but he’ll very likely have Ryan Kelly back and that gives Minnesota their full starting offensive line for the first time this season. Darrisaw’s presence was notable this week, and Michael Jurgens left a bit to be desired as the starting center.

Related: Key Takeaways From the Minnesota Vikings’ Week 3 Annihilation of the Bengals

With Kelly taking back over, Wentz will have the best opportunity to compete for as long as he’s the starter. That’s the scenario you want to see for McCarthy too.

Kevin O'Connell said that Carson Wentz will get a second start in Week 4 vs. Steelers in Dublin. That fits the 2-4 week timetable @AdamSchefter has reported. On J.J. McCarthy, O'Connell said in part, "We're going to do right by him" and not bring him back until he's healthy.

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) September 21, 2025

While McCarthy isn’t expected to play next week, or in Week 5, he will travel overseas with the team and continue his rehab. Next up for Minnesota is the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin, Ireland.

While Brian Flores has often been lauded as an exceptional asset from the sideline, he may have his best defense yet. The front seven has earned early praise, and now we’re seeing it come to life on the field.

Training camp opened last week for the Vikings. Media has been present a bit longer than fans have. The takeaways may be the same.

Defense steals the show early for Minnesota Vikings

Plenty of excitement exists for the Vikings with J.J. McCarthy being healthy and commanding the offense. He’s going to have plenty of time to establish himself this year. How much heavy lifting he has to do will be a reflection of the defense, and they were the talk of the latest Access Vikings episode.

“I think the front seven has certainly been the big one [takeaway]. Certainly yesterday [Monday] first day in pads, I think that was the big takeaway. Just how diverse that pass rush can be. With Dallas Turner looking like he’s going to get a bigger role alongside Van Ginkel and Greenard. You add those tackles to it. I mean the pass rush was very disruptive in that first day…we’ll see that continue as we go.”

Ben Goessling – Access Vikings

“Yeah, I agree with Ben. I think when all of us media were sitting there just watching. Greenard get after it. The first pass rush rep was between Van Ginkel and O’Neill. That one was a great rep and a great matchup to watch throughout. The interior. I talked to O’Neill afterwards and he mentioned Jonathan Allen has moves that frankly none of our defensive tackles I’ve played with before have done. He’s mentioned the hump pass rushing move that Reggie White made famous back in the 90’s. He’s saying this guy does it better than anybody that I’ve seen. O’Neill went as far as saying, just as far as dudes and talent, this is the best defensive line I’ve seen us face thus far in camp.”

Andrew Krammer – Access Vikings

It’s good that there is a consensus on the Vikings defensive front. It’s also validating from the perspective that it was a clear focus in free agency. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah went out and targeted interior help. The additions of Allen and Javon Hargrave only heighten the impact of the edge rushers.

While the secondary is going to have some new faces, the front seven can help to impact the opposing passing game. The more that Flores can scheme his group to get home, the better the unit as a whole will be.

Related: MN Vikings O-Line Getting Healthy Fast

Minnesota kicks off the exhibition slate on August 9th against the Houston Texans. McCarthy will be under center and the pass rush will get a chance to show off what they have. Fans can also flock to TCO Performance Center in Eagan, and it may be best while the New England Patriots are in town for joint practices.

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.

You can tell he enjoys hanging out at TCO Performance Center a lot more when it is full of Vikings players. During his presser, KOC was asked questions on everything from his relationship with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, to his thoughts individual members of his coaching staff, and even gave a handful of offseason injury updates on key contributors for the 2025 season.

Latest Minnesota Vikings injury updates (Voluntary OTAs)

Not only are there a few 2024 Vikings who are either coming back or still working there way back from lingering injuries, but Minnesota also signed multiple free agents who are recovering from different football-related ailments of their own.

Related: MN Vikings Open to Paying Down Kirk Cousins’ Salary in a Trade?

So this afternoon, O’Connell read off a handful of fresh-baked MN Vikings injury updates, which included the latest on (QB) JJ McCarthy, (LT) Christian Darrisaw, (CB) Mekhi Blackmon, (DT) Javon Hargrave and (RG) Will Fries.

JJ McCarthy – “Full [participant]” for MN Vikings offseason workouts

Not only did Kevin O’Connell talk about JJ McCarthy during today’s presser, but he spent over five minutes answering questions about JJ’s knee, his recovery process the past 9 months and their plan for the 2024 No. 10 overall pick this offseason and going forward.

Here’s everything KOC had to say about his redshirt rookie quarterback, who he remains very excited about. But as far as where McCarthy stands, entering this week of voluntary OTAs, the Minnesota Vikings head coach officially labeled him as a “full [participant], really no limitation”.

Everything Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell said about JJ McCarthy at his press conference on Monday pic.twitter.com/t8lR3Pk5HM

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) April 21, 2025

We knew JJ McCarthy was considered healthy and that he was pretty much considered ‘ready to go’. But you just don’t know how healthy that really is until someone gets on the practice field with teammates. So to hear that JJ has zero limitations during these early offseason workouts is great news.

Christian Darrisaw – “Progressing in his recovery program”

There is only one Minnesota Vikings player recovering from injury who means anywhere near as much to the organization as their future franchise quarterback, and that is left tackle Christian Darrisaw, who suffered his own season-ending knee injury in week 8 of the 2024 season.

Darrisaw is still a ways away from returning to the practice field with his teammates, but his head coach really likes where he is at in his recovery and how he has attacked his rehab, to this point. Of course, when KOC turns a conversation the way he did Monday with Christian, you do wonder about his timeline and whether or not he will be ready by day one.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Trying to Trade for Sam Howell…?

He has about six months before the start of the season, so there is plenty of time. In no way does the 25-year-old staple left tackle seem behind schedule, it’s just worth wondering how far out that original return date really was, given how late in the season he suffered the injury.

KOC gave an update (kind of) on Christian Darrisaw today too. pic.twitter.com/Lr4HjKJu9B

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) April 22, 2025

“Christian [Darrisaw] has absolutely, knocked it out of the park so far. Working alongside our staff here. He’s had a really, really good offseason up until this point. The latest update I got. You know, he’s lifting, he’s running…people were pretty excited about where he’s at now. It’s just a matter of maintaining.”

“And he’s had such a professional focus, with very, very, you know, really from day one, remarkably, he’s just had such a good attitude about attacking [his rehab], knowing exactly what he is and who he is as a player and working his way right back to that place and beyond. So [we] feel really good about that.”

Kevin O’Connell on the recovery of Christian Darrisaw

Mekhi Blackmon, Javon Hargrave, Will Fries “limited”

The final few Minnesota Vikings injury updates today via Kevin O’Connell had to do with two freshly-signed free agents, Javon Hargrave (partially-torn right tricep) and Will Fries (tibia fracture), along with depth cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (torn ACL).

According to KOC, the latter is nearing the very end of his rehab and individual work, before returning to the practice field. He described both Hargrave and Fries as “limited” to start offseason activities.

Javon Hargrave and Will Fries –“Hargrave is another one that will probably be limited a little bit early on, but should progress throughout the spring. Will Fries and Hargrave are kind of in a similar spot, but expect those guys to progress at a pretty good clip, especially as we head toward phase two [of offseason programs].

Mekhi Blackmon –“A guy kind of heading toward the end point of that rehab, from his ACL [injury], and I see him progressing to football activities here as we move through the spring.”

On the defensive line, the Vikings inked 30-year-old Pro-Bowler Jonathan Allen, then followed that up with another Pro-Bowl interior talent, 32-year-old DT Javon Hargrave, who had 18 sacks and 30 QB hits between 2022 and 2023, his last full healthy seasons.

Javon Hargrave signs deal with Minnesota Vikings

Unlike Allen, Hargrave was not a pending free agent during the legal tampering period. He needed to officially be released by the San Francisco 49ers, in order for the Vikings to officially move in on him. When that came to be Wednesday afternoon, the deal in Minnesota was announced — 2 years, $30 million ($19 million guaranteed).

Done deal: Two-time Pro Bowl DT Javon Hargrave and the #Vikings agreed to terms on a two-year, $30 million contract after his release from the #49ers. https://t.co/Ue0GHtzziC

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 12, 2025

Related: Minnesota Vikings Free Agency Signings – 2025

Hargrave has piled up 380 tackles (55 TFL), 45.5 sacks, 79 QB hits, 4 forced fumbles and 8 pass deflections in his 9 year NFL career. Last season, the former 89th overall draft pick (2016) played in just three games due to a torn triceps injury, a risk that made the No. 11 overall free agent (per The Athletic) a bit cheaper.

Vikings leaning on recently injured studs

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has looked to extract value from injured players this offseason. The Minnesota Vikings signed guard Will Fries coming off a fractured tibia, Allen suffered a torn pectoral muscle, and Ryan Kelly had a knee injury.

Previous injury doesn’t necessarily indicate future issues, and that seems to be the thought process that Adofo-Mensah is operating within. By adding players with some warts, Minnesota has been able to utilize their immense cap space on multiple holes and bring in players with sizable upside.

Related: Vikings’ New Free Agent Deal Just Got Sweeter

Hargrave and Allen should be expected to operate within the trenches alongside returning veteran Harrison Phillips. Minnesota’s front is arguably as formidable as it has ever been.

But early Tuesday morning, Kwesi really started cooking, striking deals with two more top 15 free agents, according to The Athletic. First came (No. 10 FA) Jonathan Allen – DT. He was immediately followed by (No. 14 FA) Will Fries – G.

Minnesota Vikings sign DT Javon Hargrave

Shortly after the Fries signing, Tom Pelissero (NFL Network) tweeted out that the MN Vikings “aren’t done”, then reported that Kwesi & Co are set to sign San Francisco 49ers Pro Bowl defensive tackle, Javon Hargrave, a deal that is expected to make the Vikings the highest spending team of free agency so far.

The #Vikings aren’t done: They’re also closing in on a deal with two-time Pro Bowl DT Javon Hargrave and plan to sign him after his release from the #49ers is official Wednesday, sources say.

So Jonathan Allen heads to Minnesota and now another huge D-line move in the works. pic.twitter.com/g88QC94xtW

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 11, 2025

Hargrave just wrapped up a two-year stint with the 49ers and has also spent time with the Steelers, playing his first 4 years. He also played for the Eagles, where he played for four seasons.

Related: Daniel Jones Bails on Vikings QB Competition vs JJ McCarthy

The 49ers are set to officially release Javon Hargrave on Wednesday, and that’s when the contract details with the Vikings will come out. Hargrave is a game changer on the defensive line. Since 2021, he’s posted a 92.4 pass rush grade, ranking fourth among all interior defenders.

Javon Hargrave this season:

• 2 sacks
• 13 pressures
• 21.4% pass-rush win rate

I still can’t believe we were able to sign this monster during free agency 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/pDV8Dtd5xE

— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) September 22, 2023

With the 32-year-old Hargrave now teaming up with newly signed DT Jonathan Allen. They now join a solid group featuring OLBs Dallas Turner, Jonathan Greenard, and Andrew Van Ginkel, along with DT Harrison Phillips, this defensive front has the makings of one of the best in the league, at least on paper.

It’ll be interesting to see how the Minnesota Vikings wrap up free agency and whether they have any more moves left in the tank. But even if they’re done, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has already done a solid job.

Outside of quarterback, the Vikings’ biggest needs are in the trenches. In 2024, this team exceeded expectations at just about every position… other than on their interior defensive and offensive lines, specifically their two guard positions on offense and defensive tackle on defense.

Over the next two months, as the league weaves through 2025 free agency (starts March 12) and the NFL Draft (April 24-27), those at the top of the decision-making pyramid in Eagan have verbally committed to bulking up the interior in ways they have not, since this regime took over in 2022.

Minnesota Vikings looking to add lots of talent on interior defensive line

And according to Alec Lewis (The Athletic), the Minnesota Vikings are already locking in on at least a couple of top defensive tackles — Milton Williams (Eagles) and Javon Hargrave (49ers) — who sit atop the free agency board, from a talent perspective.

But the main takeaway from Alec’s iDL scoops this morning: Kwesi and defensive coordinator Brian Flores are going to make this team better on the defensive interior this offseason, and they’re not trying to stop at one impact acquisition. They want multiple upgrades, and they’re starting with the top two defensive interior linemen on the market, both of which specialize in putting pressure on the passer from up the middle.

Multiple team sources reiterated the team’s commitment to adding players — emphasis on the plurality — to strengthen Minnesota’s ability to push the interior of the pocket. Milton Williams, who starred in the Super Bowl for the Philadelphia Eagles, could be in play depending on his asking price in free agency. Another interesting candidate who flies in the face of the Vikings’ typical free-agent checklist is Javon Hargrave, who is 32 and played minimally in 2024 because of a partially torn right triceps.

Vikings targeting No. 1 free agent iDL, Milton Williams

Not only is Milton Williams the best defensive tackle available this offseason, he’s a top 5 talent across the entire free agency market, according to The Athletic, which ranked him the No. 4 overall free agent, after the NFL Combine. At 26 years old, Williams is also the youngest of available interior defensive linemen this offseason.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Zeroing in on Daniel Jones…?

One of the most intriguing aspects of Williams’ upside has been his ability to stay healthy. The former 3rd round pick out of Louisiana Tech has played in all but one game of the 68 possible games the Philadelphia Eagles have played since drafting him in 2021.

In four seasons, Milton Williams has totalled 11.5 sackes and 132 tackles in those 67 total games, 25 of those tackles were for loss. According to PFF, Williams was not good as a run-stopper last season (43.1 run defense grade). In 2022 and 2023, his rush defense grades were a much more impressive 75.7 and 72.3, respectively.

Milton Williams like that 👀 pic.twitter.com/7Nqt1fLLO5

— blande (@JustBlande) March 3, 2025

Williams’ ability to get after the quarterback in 2024, however, was more of a super power than it was a talent. If you believe in PFF grades, you’re gonna love Williams’ 90.4 pass rush grade last season. which ranked 2nd among all interior defenders.

MN Vikings also interested in No. 2 defensive tackle, Javon Hargrave

Alec Lewis mentioned in his article that the Minnesota Vikings want to add multiple impact players on the interior defensive line, which means it’s possible Kwesi and Flores double up at the top of the DT market, and sign both Milton Williams and Javon Hargrave… but don’t count on it.

Hargrave would be the older option of the two. He is 32 years old, and he has played all over the NFL, starting his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, before stops in Philadelphia and San Francisco. He made Pro Bowls in the first year of both stops. The Minnesota Vikings would love for him to continue that pattern here.

Related: Vikings Met With Top Quarterback at NFL Combine

In three seasons between 2021-2023, Hargrave racked up an incredible 25.5 sacks, 167 tackles and 48 QB hits. His PFF pass rush grades those seasons were 91.5, 90.8 and 87.2 respectively. As mentioned before, it’s clear the Vikings are hot after interior pass rushers, this offseason, even more so than those who specialize in stopping the run.

Javon Hargrave racks up the sack! pic.twitter.com/Q0BTZq1Xy2

— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) September 22, 2024

Last season, Javon Hargrave suffered a partially torn right tricep, during the Niners Week 3 game against the LA Rams on September 22, that cost him the rest of the season. Prior to that injury, he had played at least 15 games in all of his eight NFL seasons.

More than likely, the Vikings are hoping to add one of these two players, and then fill in with Harrison Phillips and another really good high-ceiling player in the draft or at a lower price in free agency. No matter, it’s clear that beefing up the interior isn’t just talk. They’re serious about fixing this long overdue problem.