Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell made it clear that upgrading the interior offensive line was a top priority after quarterback Sam Darnold was sacked a playoff-record nine times in the team’s NFC wild-card loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Faced with a turbulent free-agent market for guards, the Vikings made a bold move by signing former Indianapolis Colts lineman Will Fries to a five-year, $88 million contract—a significant gamble given the circumstances.
While other teams made major moves—like the Chiefs re-signing Trey Smith, the Bears trading for and extending Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, and the Packers landing Aaron Banks—Minnesota found fewer solid options available. That led them to Fries, who is recovering from a broken tibia.
According to Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times, the Seattle Seahawks were interested in bringing Fries in for a physical on the opening day of free agency. However, Fries opted not to wait and instead accepted Minnesota’s offer, which was made without requiring a physical upfront. He later passed the physical after arriving in Minnesota.
At the start of voluntary OTAs, Coach O’Connell provided an update, noting that while Fries won’t fully participate this spring, there is optimism he’ll be ready in time for training camp.
“I don’t know if we’ll see him fully active this spring,” O’Connell said on May 28. “But I have no hesitation to say that I’m really excited to see him when he’s able to get out there, more than likely, for training camp. There’s still a chance we could see him in some bits and pieces of work over the next two weeks. But he’s in a good spot.”
Concerns surrounding Will Fries may ultimately prove unwarranted, as he brings significant upside to the Vikings’ offensive line. Despite being a seventh-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Fries has dramatically outperformed expectations, playing at a near-elite level prior to his injury last season—reportedly grading out as one of the top five guards in the league.
His new contract with Minnesota, which averages \$17.6 million per year over five years, places him 10th among all NFL guards in average annual value. That suggests the Vikings may be getting strong value if Fries returns to form. If he recovers fully and maintains his pre-injury performance, the investment could look like a bargain in hindsight.
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