Minnesota Vikings’ Jalen Redmond enjoyed a breakout third season and first year as the full-time starter, boasting career highs in every statistical category, while offering much-needed positional versatility, which included him lining up as a nose tackle, three-technique, and EDGE rusher. He recorded 35 pressures, 26 hurries, eight quarterback hits, six sacks, and a 6.9% pass-rush win rate across 17 games and 15 starts, accounting for 74% of defensive snaps. Redmond also posted 62 tackles, 12 TFLs, 30 run stops, and a 7.4% stop rate.
Minnesota Vikings’ DT is a free agent
Minnesota Vikings, Jalen Redmond
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Jalen Redmond (61) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Since Jalen Redmond did not appear on an active roster at all during his rookie season in 2023, he has only two accrued seasons, not three, making him an exclusive rights free agent. As an ERFA, a team can offer a player a one-year tender at the league minimum, but they cannot negotiate with other teams or risk sitting out a year. If the Vikings decline to tender Redmond, he will become an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any team.
They could instead bypass the tender and sign him to a contract.
The Vikings ink a breakout start for 2026
Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Jalen Redmond (61) is unable to stop Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) from scoring a touchdown during the third quarter of their game Sunday, December 29, 2024 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Minnesota Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers 27-25. © Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Jalen Redmond (61) is unable to stop Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) from scoring a touchdown during the third quarter of their game Sunday, December 29, 2024 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Minnesota Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers 27-25. © Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
According to Jeremy Fowler of *ESPN,*the Vikings are placing the exclusive-rights free-agent tender on Jalen Redmond. Fowler notes the breakout star is considered an extension candidate, though Minnesota will likely negotiate later, given their current cap situation. Tyler Forness of A to Z Sportsprojects that Redmond’s new long-term contract extension will be a three-year, $48 million contract, with $28 million guaranteed.
The Vikings are placing the exclusive rights tender on DL Jalen Redmond, per source. He’s an extension candidate coming off his six-sack season.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 4, 2026
The interior defensive line could feature two new starters, along with the breakout star, since Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen are considered cap casualties. The front office is attempting to trade both Hargrave and Allen, seeking draft compensation rather than cutting them outright.
Also Read: Vikings Actively Fielding Trade Calls on 2x-Pro Bowler