Minnesota Vikings: Bolster Offensive Line, Add Top Guard

The Minnesota Vikings have made it a mission to improve their interior offensive line at the start of free agency after a rough 2024 campaign. Yesterday, Minnesota signed 4x Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly to a 2-year, $18 million contract. Kelly upgraded the center position, replacing Garrett Bradbury in the starting lineup, and now the focus is on the two other interior offensive line positions.

Also Read: Minnesota Vikings Set to Sign 4x Pro Bowl Offensive Lineman

Minnesota Vikings bolster offensive line, add top guard

According to Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Vikings are set to sign Will Fries to a massive contract, replacing Dalton Risner and Ed Ingram. As Schefter and Fowler point out, the deal is for five years and is worth $88 million. Fries will take over at right guard, leaving left guard as the only position on the offensive line without a definitive starter.

The newcomer was having a breakout 2024 campaign before an injury prematurely ended it

Will Fries was having a breakout 2024 campaign before a significant leg injury prematurely ended it. Fries allowed six pressures and two sacks and boasted a career-high 92.4% pass-block win rate and a 74.3% run-block win rate (h/t) ESPN in the first five games. Unfortunately, he suffered a fractured right tibia in Week 5, prematurely ending his fourth season.

Here’s a look at the Minnesota Vikings projected offensive line

• LT: Christian Darrisaw (could miss the start of 2024 with an ACL and MCL tear)
• LG: Blake Brandel
• C: Ryan Kelly
• RG: Will Fries
• RT: Brian O’Neill

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