The Minnesota Vikings entered last offseason determined to improve upon a 14-3 record in 2024 that ultimately ended in a 27-9 wild-card loss to the Los Angeles Rams. That led to an aggressive offseason spending spree in which the Vikings spent $262,532,500 on free agents, the second-highest total in the league.

Of course, Minnesota not only failed to improve on its 2024 season but also missed the postseason entirely in 2025. Much of the blame was pointed at the quarterback position, but the money allocated to outside free agents didn't pay off.

For this series, we'll review the free agent acquisitions the Vikings made in 2025. Not every player was a bust, but few lived up to their offseason billing. Combined with instability at quarterback, the season was likely doomed from the start.

Today, we'll look at defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, one of several big-name free agents acquired in the first wave of free agency.

Contract: Three years/$51 million

Games: 17

PFF Grade: 53.2, 16th among defenders (min. 200 snaps)

Key Stats: 3.5 official sacks, 22 hurries, 34 stops, 1 fumble recovery

In Week 1, Allen demonstrated why the Vikings signed him last offseason. Tasked with providing Minnesota with a stronger interior pass rush, Allen had a season-high six pressures against the Bears.

He narrowly missed a sack on Caleb Williams, who somehow fought out of the defensive lineman's grasp on a scramble. Allen also added two stops on the night.

Even though he only received a 50.2 PFF grade, Allen displayed the pass-rush ability the Vikings lacked in 2024 from their interior defensive line.

Like cornerback Isaiah Rodgers in our first installment, Allen didn't build on his strong start to the year. The splash plays were hard to come by as teams got more conservative against Minnesota's defense. That kept the defensive line from pinning its ears back and rushing the passer.

Allen's 7.4% pressure rate trailed fellow defensive linemen Levi Drake-Rodriguez, rookie Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, and Jalen Redmond, per Next Gen Stats. Allen never seemed to live up to his contract.

Minnesota may have to hold onto Allen, though. Despite turning 31 last month, he still has a cap hit of $23.66 million in 2026. He does have a potential out in his contract after the season that could let the Vikings walk away with only $4.667 million in dead cap.

Even though Allen is a veteran, we do also have to acknowledge that, like many players, there was a learning curve in Brian Flores' system. Another year in the defense could help Allen become more comfortable. An improved offense could also help the defense's approach.

Minnesota can't move off of every expensive contract on its roster, and Allen provides a healthy veteran presence in the locker room. 2025 wasn't a career year for Allen, but that could be said for most members of the team.

With another year removed from injury and greater comfort in Flores’ system, Allen still has a path to being a meaningful contributor in 2026.

Grade: C-