Vikings Re-Sign Linebacker Eric Wilson to 3-Year Deal

The free agent linebacker is returning to Minnesota after a breakout 2020 season.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to a three-year contract with free agent linebacker Eric Wilson, who set career highs in sacks and forced fumbles during the 2020 season. Wilson, an undrafted free agent out of the University of Cincinnati in 2017, has played for the Vikings for the past four seasons and became a regular starter in 2020, leading the team in tackles.

Why it matters

Retaining Wilson is an important move for the Vikings as they look to bolster their defense and build on their 2020 season. Wilson emerged as a key contributor last year, and his new contract shows the team's commitment to keeping their core defensive players together.

The details

Wilson's new deal with the Vikings is reportedly worth up to $22.5 million over the three-year contract. He originally joined the team as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Cincinnati in 2017 and has played in every game for the Vikings over the past four seasons, eventually becoming a regular starter in 2020 when he led the team in tackles with 122.

  • Wilson was an undrafted free agent signing by the Vikings in 2017.
  • He played in every game for the Vikings from 2017 to 2020.
  • Wilson became a regular starter for the Vikings in the 2020 season.

The players

Eric Wilson

A linebacker who has played for the Minnesota Vikings since 2017 after going undrafted out of the University of Cincinnati.

Minnesota Vikings

The professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota that competes in the National Football League (NFL).

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Vikings will look to build on their 2020 season and make a playoff push in 2021 with Wilson returning as a key part of their defense.

The takeaway

Retaining Eric Wilson on a new multi-year contract shows the Vikings' commitment to keeping their core defensive players together as they aim to improve on their 2020 season and compete for a playoff spot.