Eric Wilson returns to Minnesota on a three-year deal after recording 6.5 sacks and emerging as a versatile weapon in Brian Flores’ defense.
The Minnesota Vikings are bringing linebacker Eric Wilson back in 2026.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported late Sunday night that the Vikings had agreed to a three-year, $22.5 million deal with the 31-year-old linebacker. $12.5 million is fully guaranteed.
Wilson is coming off one of his most impactful seasons in the NFL. Originally signed as a third linebacker, Wilson got onto the field in Week 1 when Blake Cashman left the game with a hamstring injury.
Once Cashman returned, Ivan Pace Jr. had fallen out of favor with the coaching staff, allowing Wilson to take over the starting role. Overall, he started 16 of 17 games played.
Wilson's role changed throughout the season. Per Next Gen Stats, Wilson blitzed 17 times in his first four games. While that is still a sizeable number, defensive coordinator Brian Flores got even more aggressive after that.
Beginning in Week 5, Wilson blitzed at least ten times in 10 of the next 12 games. During that stretch, he never rushed the passer fewer than eight times in a game.
This strategy wasn't a gimmick move, either. Wilson ranked third on the team with 6.5 sacks and second in pressures, generating 40. He also tied with Blake Cashman for the team lead in "stops", with 65.
Some may be wondering why the Vikings would give a soon-to-be 32-year-old linebacker a multi-year deal. Off-ball linebackers themselves aren't as valued as on-ball "EDGE" linebackers. Plus, his age suggests his best days may already be behind him.
However, in December 2023, Flores told ESPN that he doesn't view football the same way many others do. The traditional positions and roles that most coaches and players see may not always apply to his scheme.
"I see spots on the field," Flores said. "I don't necessarily see, 'That's got to be a D-lineman or that's got to be a linebacker.' It doesn't necessarily have to be a traditional defensive tackle or a traditional linebacker. Offensively, they look at 'traditional' as four down linemen, or five. When you've got a guy who's a safety in a linebacker spot, the receiver doesn't know if he's supposed to go block the safety that's down in the box or the linemen climbing up to him. It creates some confusion."
This approach isn't limited to Wilson. Players like Harrison Smith and Josh Metellus line up all over the field as well.
But Wilson logged 336 snaps on the defensive line in 2025, with another 598 coming at off-ball linebacker in the box. His experience and physicality made him an ideal chess piece for Flores' system.
Can Wilson repeat his performance in 2026? Perhaps his role could be amplified if the offense improves and allows the defense to play more aggressive, exotic schemes with more leads this season.
Whatever his role, the Vikings clearly valued his experience and physicality last season. That may mean linebacker is off the table in the draft, allowing them to allocate resources elsewhere.