Eric Wilson, the linebacker, has agreed to a new three-year, $22.5 million contract to remain with the Minnesota Vikings, according to NFL Network. The deal was finalized on Sunday, prior to the commencement of NFL free agency.
A total of $12.5 million of the contract is fully guaranteed.
Wilson, aged 31, experienced his most productive professional season in 2025, marking his return to the Vikings, where he had previously spent the first four years of his career. After securing him on a one-year deal valued at $2.6 million, team management initially anticipated him playing a significant role on special teams. However, he was thrust into the starting lineup in Week 2 following a hamstring injury to Blake Cashman, and subsequently displaced fellow inside linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. upon Cashman’s return four games later.
Throughout the season, Wilson demonstrated his exceptional fit for defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ aggressive, blitz-heavy defensive strategy. He established new personal bests with 16 starts, 6.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles. Additionally, he recorded the NFL’s third-highest pressure rate (15.3%) after Week 1.
His contributions to special teams also persisted, where he participated in 144 snaps, accumulating five tackles and forcing one fumble.
Wilson originally joined the Vikings as an undrafted rookie in 2017. Following his departure as a free agent, he also played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans, and Green Bay Packers. Over his nine NFL seasons, Wilson has started 55 games, recording 515 tackles, 17.5 sacks, and five interceptions.
This report received contributions from ESPN’s Kevin Seifert.