Vikings Retain Linebacker Eric Wilson on 3-Year Contract

The 32-year-old linebacker will remain in Minnesota after a standout 2025 season.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to a 3-year, $22.5 million contract extension with linebacker Eric Wilson, keeping him with the team through the 2026 season. Wilson, an undrafted free agent signing in 2017, had a breakout year in 2025 under defensive coordinator Brian Flores, racking up 115 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles.

Why it matters

Retaining Wilson provides continuity for the Vikings' defense, which saw a number of veteran players depart in the offseason. Wilson's ability to blitz and pressure the quarterback makes him a valuable piece in Flores' scheme, and the team was likely eager to keep him in the fold.

The details

Wilson originally joined the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2017 and spent his first four NFL seasons with the team. After stops in Philadelphia, Houston, and New Orleans, he returned to Minnesota in 2025 and thrived, finishing third on the team with 6.5 sacks while also recording 17 tackles for loss and 4 forced fumbles. His 83 blitzes were the most on the Vikings' defense.

  • Wilson will turn 32 years old this season.
  • The 3-year, $22.5 million contract extension will keep Wilson in Minnesota through the 2026 season.

The players

Eric Wilson

A 32-year-old linebacker who has spent the majority of his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings, including a standout 2025 season under defensive coordinator Brian Flores.

Brian Flores

The defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, who utilized Wilson extensively as a blitzer in 2025 and is expected to continue to feature him in that role.

Jonathan Greenard

A Vikings defensive player who had more quarterback pressures than Wilson in 2025.

Dallas Turner

A Vikings defensive player who had more quarterback pressures than Wilson in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Retaining one of their own on the eve of NFL free agency getting underway.”

— Christopher Gates, Author (yahoo.com)

What’s next

The Vikings will look to build on their 2025 success with Wilson as a key part of their defense in 2026.

The takeaway

The Vikings' decision to re-sign Eric Wilson to a 3-year extension shows their commitment to maintaining continuity on defense and keeping a productive player who thrived in their system. Wilson's ability to pressure the quarterback makes him a valuable asset, and the Vikings were likely eager to keep him in the fold.