The Minnesota Vikings are in need of reinforcements in their defensive line, particularly in the trenches. As the offseason approaches, three of their top four defensive tackles—Jonathan Bullard, Jerry Tillery, and Jihad Ward—are set to become unrestricted free agents. While this trio played a key role in helping the Vikings rank second in the NFL for fewest rushing yards allowed last season, the team is seeking more impact from their defensive line, especially in terms of generating a stronger pass rush.
One potential target in free agency was Philadelphia Eagles standout Milton Williams, who emerged as a prime candidate after a standout performance in the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs. Williams recorded two sacks on Patrick Mahomes in the Eagles’ dominant 40-22 victory, showcasing the importance of a formidable defensive front in neutralizing elite quarterbacks. However, his stellar showing in the Super Bowl has likely driven up his market value, making him a more expensive and challenging acquisition.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Will Ragatz, Williams’ stock has soared following the Super Bowl, and he could command a significant contract. Ragatz noted that Williams, who has been somewhat overshadowed by Jalen Carter, demonstrated his elite pass-rushing abilities this season, earning Pro Football Focus’ second-highest grade among defensive tackles, trailing only Chris Jones. Spotrac initially projected a three-year, $36 million deal for Williams, but Ragatz believes he could now fetch around $20 million annually. Despite the high cost, Ragatz argues that Williams would be a worthwhile investment for the Vikings, given his athleticism, disruptive potential, and room for growth as he approaches his 26th birthday.
The Vikings’ pursuit of a game-changing defensive tackle isn’t new. Last offseason, they aggressively pursued Christian Wilkins, who was reportedly a top target in free agency. However, the Las Vegas Raiders outbid Minnesota, signing Wilkins to a lucrative four-year, $110 million contract. Instead, the Vikings shifted their focus to bolstering their edge rushers, signing Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel, both of whom earned Pro Bowl honors in their debut season under defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
While the Vikings have solidified their edge rusher positions with Greenard, Van Ginkel, and promising rookie Dallas Turner, the need for a dominant interior pass rusher remains a pressing priority this offseason. To address this, the Vikings might explore the draft, where they could target a top-tier defensive tackle prospect. According to Tyler Forness of A to Z Sports, defensive tackle is the second-most frequently mocked position for the Vikings in this year’s draft. Prospects like Ole Miss’ Walter Nolen, Michigan’s Kenneth Grant, and Oregon’s Derrick Harmon have all been linked to Minnesota in various mock drafts, offering potential solutions to their defensive line needs.
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