The Minnesota Vikings strengthened their defensive line during free agency by signing Jonathan Allen (three years, $51 million) and Javon Hargrave (two years, $30 million) to substantial contracts. This marks a major investment for the Vikings, who ranked 28th in defensive line spending with just $11.7 million allocated to five defensive linemen in 2024.
Despite this limited spending, the unit performed well against the run, allowing the second-fewest rushing yards in the league, but struggled with the pass rush. To compensate, the Vikings heavily relied on blitzing, leading the NFL in blitz percentage.
While the team has made moves to improve the defensive line, several key players have reached free agency, with the possibility of some being re-signed for depth. However, one former first-round pick won’t be returning: Jerry Tillery, who has agreed to a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs.
- Jerry Tillery
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the 28th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Tillery was let go by the Chargers after three seasons due to underperformance. He then spent two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders before signing a one-year, $3.8 million contract with the Vikings last season. Tillery played in every game and made 11 starts, accumulating 19 pressures and 19 total tackles, as per Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Meanwhile, Jonathan Bullard, another starter, remains a free agent, and nose tackle Harrison Phillips is expected to start alongside Allen and Hargrave. Bullard and Tillery’s combined 25 pressures fall short compared to Allen and Hargrave’s impressive 113 combined pressures in 2023. Jihad Ward, who played 452 snaps last season, is also still available. The Vikings have retained Jalen Redmond and Levi-Drake Rodriguez as developmental players.
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