The Minnesota Vikings have spent the early phase of free agency adding beef to the trenches.
In addition to Tuesday's signing of veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, the Vikings also agreed to terms with guard Will Fries on a long-term deal and are closing in on a deal with defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷ÍøNetwork Insider Tom Pelissero reported, per sources informed of the deals.
The Fries deal is for five years, $88 million, ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷ÍøNetwork Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per sources. The $17.6 million-per-year average makes Fries the sixth-highest-paid right guard in the NFL.
A former seventh-round pick by the Indianapolis Colts in 2021, Fries has developed into a sturdy blocker and a plus starter over the past three years. The 26-year-old suffered a broken leg that wiped out all but five games in 2024, but before the injury, he was having a breakout season. The play through five weeks allowed clubs to overlook the injury, as Fries entered free agency as one of the top interior offensive linemen available.
The addition, coupled with the Vikings' Monday agreement with center Ryan Kelly, another former Colt, helps Minnesota completely overhaul the interior of the offensive line. It was a much-needed aid after the inconsistency last year, which included Ed Ingram's subpar play at right guard for a chunk of the season.
If Christian Darrisaw returns healthy from a knee injury and Brian O'Neill continues to be sound on the right side, the Vikings O-line will be in a much better place. Sam Darnold struggled late last season against Detroit and Los Angeles with pressure in his face. Whether it's J.J. McCarthy under center or another quarterback, the Vikings' offseason moves should help mitigate those issues in 2025.
The added beef didn't stop with the O-line.
The Vikings agreed to terms on a thee-year, $51 million contract that can increase to $60 million with Allen, a former stalwart from Washington.
Adding another penetrating force in Hargrave will be a big boon for Brian Flores' defense. The 49ers plan to release the veteran before the new league year on Wednesday, at which time he's expected to sign in Minnesota. Terms of the expected deal have not yet been reported.
Before his big-money deal in San Francisco, Hargrave was a penetrating disruptor who played behind the line of scrimmage with force in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. A torn triceps wiped out all but three games in 2024 and led to the Niners restructuring his deal in advance of the release.
If healthy, he adds yet another penetrating hog next to Allen. There is a gamble here, with the Vikings paying for two 30-plus-year-olds coming off significant injuries. The upside is also substantial. Flores already has edge rushers Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner to play with. Now, add two veteran DTs who can push the pocket, and the Vikings' front could be deadly if everyone stays healthy.
Much of the talk surrounding Minnesota entering the offseason was about Darnold's future and how the club might bring in a veteran QB alongside McCarthy.
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, however, focused on the beef.
The Eagles' Super Bowl win was the latest reminder that Lombardis are still won in the trenches. Minnesota certainly added bulk there on both sides of the ball.
