As the Minnesota Vikings gear up for a crucial offseason, General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s talent for finding key contributors on the fringes of free agency could once again come into play. The team may have eyes on the flashy names in 2025 free agency, but Adofo-Mensah has historically done his best work with under-the-radar players who make a real impact. One such player is Tershawn Wharton, a two-time Super Bowl champion who could be a valuable addition to the Vikings’ defensive line.
Despite having significant cap space, the Vikings face a tough decision with numerous key players heading to free agency, including Byron Murphy Jr., Cam Bynum, and Harrison Smith. The team also has to navigate the rising costs of defensive tackles, especially with bidding wars like last season’s Christian Wilkins sweepstakes. As premium defensive tackles see their prices soar, the Vikings might turn to the draft for more cost-effective options.
If the Vikings decide to pass on high-priced interior defenders in free agency, Wharton could be a solid option. The depth at defensive tackle in this year’s draft (with 41 players invited to the NFL Combine) means the Vikings might focus on building through the draft, leaving Wharton as an intriguing rotational piece. Top-tier defenses have great depth along the interior, and Wharton could help add that to the Vikings’ defense.
Wharton, who entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Division II Missouri S&T, has certainly proven his worth in the league. Despite his relatively small stature for a defensive tackle, he made an immediate impact with the Kansas City Chiefs and has since earned two one-year deals. Heading into his age-27 season, Wharton is poised for the biggest payday of his career, though his previous contract came at a modest $2.7 million. A two-year, $12 million deal could be a fair offer for both sides, but a one-year flyer deal could also be a possibility for the Vikings.
- Tershawn Wharton
During the 2024 season, Wharton posted 33 pressures and seven sacks on 455 pass-rush snaps, showing he could provide a boost to the Vikings’ pass rush. While he’s not a dominant force against the run, he would be an upgrade in rotational pass-rush situations, offering the quick pressure the Vikings desperately need. His high motor and solid bull rush could also help in sub-packages, offering better run defense than some current options, such as Jihad Ward.
Beyond his on-field skills, Wharton’s character shines through. He made headlines when he saved a young fan who fell from the stands after a Chiefs game. Wharton caught the boy mid-fall and helped him back into the stands, showcasing the kind of leadership and heart that would make him a fan favorite wherever he plays.
At 6’1″ and 280 lbs, Wharton is more suited for a 3- or 5-technique role, where he can penetrate the line but may struggle to hold his ground inside the guards. While he likely wouldn’t start in base defense due to his run responsibilities, he’s exactly the type of versatile pass-rusher defensive coordinator Brian Flores could use. Wharton has only suffered one major injury (an ACL tear in 2022), and he played 48% of defensive snaps for the Chiefs last season, showing he’s capable of contributing in a rotational role.
If Kansas City doesn’t bring Wharton back, the Vikings could be a prime landing spot. Given his relatively low price tag and high upside, Wharton would fit the mold of the low-risk, high-reward players Adofo-Mensah has targeted in the past. Keep an eye on him as the offseason unfolds.
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