Minnesota Vikings secure $12.5 million guarantee for 16-game starter The Minnesota Vikings have finalized a three-year, $22.5 million contract extension with linebacker Eric Wilson, ensuring his long-term future with the team. The deal, reported by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, includes $12.5 million in fully guaranteed money, a significant increase from Wilson’s previous earnings. This move solidifies Wilson’s role as a key defensive asset for the Vikings moving forward. Wilson, who returned to the team after an undrafted free agent stint, has become an essential part of the defense during his second tenure with the Vikings. In the 2025 season, he started all 16 games, showcasing his versatility and reliability. His performance included 115 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles, proving his ability to contribute on all levels of the game. The Vikings’ decision to lock him into a long-term contract reflects their confidence in his value to the roster. The front office prioritized retaining Wilson over pursuing high-profile free-agent signings, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a stable defensive core. His skills in diagnosing plays and covering passing routes make him a critical piece in the team’s defensive strategy. By securing Wilson’s commitment early, the Vikings avoided potential competition in the free-agent market and ensured continuity for their defense. With the $12.5 million guarantee, Wilson is no longer a depth player but a cornerstone of the Vikings’ defense. The team now looks to build on his contributions as they prepare for the 2026 season, aiming to maintain their competitive edge in the league. This contract decision underscores the Vikings’ focus on stability and long-term planning in their defensive unit.#minnesota_vikings #2025_season #eric_wilson #nfl_network #mike_garafolo
Former Packers linebacker signs multi-year contract with Vikings Former Green Bay Packers linebacker Eric Wilson has signed a three-year, $22.5 million contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings, marking a significant financial boost after his previous earnings with the team. Wilson, who spent three seasons with the Packers from 2022 to 2024, earned a total of $3.42 million across one-year deals. After becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2024, he returned to the Vikings, where he played 90 percent of the team’s defensive snaps in 2025 despite signing a $2.75 million deal that was below the market rate for a starting linebacker. The Vikings finalized the extension just hours before the legal tampering deadline, ensuring they could not be accused of poaching Wilson from other teams. According to Spotrac, Wilson, entering his 31st season and 10th NFL campaign, has accumulated $14.1 million in career earnings. The new contract raises his annual salary to $7.5 million, a substantial increase over his previous earnings. The Packers’ offseason strategy also involves Wilson’s potential impact on the team’s compensatory draft picks. The NFL will announce 2026 compensatory selections based on free agent losses from the 2025 season. Green Bay is set to receive a seventh-round pick for center Josh Myers, who moved up in the formula due to his playing time with the New York Jets. Myers signed a two-year, $11 million extension after a one-year, $2 million deal in 2025. Wilson’s contract extension will not affect the compensatory pick formula, as the average per year (APY) calculation occurs after the regular season, not during the new league year. Myers’ extension, which was finalized in-season, contributed to his higher ranking.#green_bay_packers #minnesota_vikings #zaire_franklin #eric_wilson #isaiah_mcduffie
Eric Wilson Re-signs With Vikings on 3-Year Contract Linebacker Eric Wilson has agreed to a three-year, $22.5 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings, keeping him with the team ahead of the NFL free agency period. The deal includes $12.5 million in fully guaranteed payments, according to NFL Network. Wilson, 31, is returning to the Vikings after a standout 2025 season that saw him become a key player for the team. Wilson’s performance this year exceeded expectations. After signing a one-year deal worth $2.6 million in 2025, he was initially expected to play a major role on special teams. However, he quickly moved into the starting lineup following injuries to fellow linebackers Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace Jr. Cashman’s hamstring injury in Week 2 opened the door for Wilson, and he later displaced Pace Jr. when Cashman returned to the field four games later. Wilson’s contributions were critical to the Vikings’ defensive strategy under coordinator Brian Flores, whose blitz-heavy scheme suited his skills. He set career highs in starts (16), sacks (6.5), and forced fumbles (four). His pressure rate of 15.3% after Week 1 ranked third in the NFL, showcasing his effectiveness in disrupting opposing offenses. Beyond his defensive impact, Wilson continued to play a vital role on special teams. He recorded 144 snaps and added five tackles and one forced fumble in that unit. His versatility made him an essential asset to the team’s overall performance. Wilson’s journey with the Vikings began in 2017 when he joined as an undrafted rookie. After spending four seasons with the team, he became a free agent and played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans, and Green Bay Packers before returning to Minnesota. Over nine NFL seasons, he has started 55 games and accumulated 515 tackles, 17.#nfl_free_agency #minnesota_vikings #eric_wilson #brian_flores #special_teams
