The Minnesota Vikings are keeping one of their pending free agents.
Linebacker Eric Wilson is staying with the team on a three-year deal, according to multiple reports. Per ESPN, the contract is worth $12.5 million guaranteed and up to $22.5 million in total.
Wilson, 31, spent his first four NFL seasons with Minnesota before spending time with Philadelphia, Houston and Green Bay. He returned to the Vikings last season and excelled, moving from a reserve into a starting position and posting career numbers.
In 17 games, Wilson tallied 115 tackles, a career-best 6.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles while holding up pretty well in coverage.
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With several veterans expected to depart the team this offseason, Wilson’s return is significant and will keep a key piece of one of the league’s best defenses.
The NFL’s new league year starts Wednesday afternoon, allowing free agents to officially start joining teams. The negotiation window, however, starts Monday.
Watch: NFL salary cap expert Joel Corry analyzes how Vikings can create over $45M in space