So, Is that Vikings Rumor Finally Going to Turn into a Deal?

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So, Is that Vikings Rumor Finally Going to Turn into a Deal?

So, Is that Vikings Rumor Finally Going to Turn into a Deal? — Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores surveys the field before kickoff against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium, with Dec. 29, 2024 capturing the pregame moment in Minneapolis. Flores oversees a defense built on pressure and discipline as Minnesota prepares for a key divisional matchup. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-Getty Images

K. Joudry · Vikings Territory

Mon, Jun 15, 2026 ·

4 min read

A Vikings Rumor: Is Christian Wilkins Going to Sign?

The widespread consensus is that Minnesota desired Wilkins in the free agency haul of 2024. What stood in their way was a massive deal from the Raiders .

Per Over the Cap , the final number came in at a staggering $110,000,000 across four seasons. Wisely, the Vikings decided against that sort of compensation, instead reinforcing the edge rusher position with Jonathan Greenard (four years at $76 million) and Andrew Van Ginkel (two years at $20 million).

Oct 6, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) celebrates his sack in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Las Vegas has moved on, freeing cap space and moving firmly into a new era ( with Kirk Cousins expected to be the bridge QB1 in Sin City ). Wilkins is now looking for work.

Part of what's hindering the veteran defensive tackle is that he's working through his injury recovery. In the past, Wilkins has been an elite defensive tackle but a combination of injury and some bizarre off-field allegations (an unwanted kiss for a teammate) have led to a moment where he isn't the cream of the crop, as was the case just two years ago when he landed that huge contract from the Raiders.

Maybe a prove-it contract with the Vikings is the way to go.

Standing at 6'4″ and weighing roughly 310 pounds, Christian Wilkins was an elite player not too long ago. He became a Dolphin via the No. 13 selection in the 2019 NFL Draft. Brian Flores had just taken over as Miami 's head coach at the time, meaning there's a connection between player and coach that was reinforced by the Vikings' desire to sign him back in the '24 offseason.

Generally speaking, the DC does a nice job when identifying talent .

Prior to landing that Raiders money two years ago, Wilkins offered explosive statistics. He had 65 tackles to stand alongside 9 sacks, 23 quarterback hits, and 10 tackles for loss. Of note, as well, are the 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries, and 2 passes defended.

Nov 13, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) takes the field prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports.

Right now, the Vikings are leaning on Jalen Redmond as the DT1. He's been a fantastic player since turning his summer tryout into an undrafted contract before then rising to the team's clear-cut top defensive tackle.

Supporting Redmond is primarily a collection of young fellas with upside, such as Caleb Banks (who is still recovering), Domonique Orange (who is huge), Levi Drake Rodriguez ( who is going to start ), and Elijah Williams ( who boasts a sturdier build ). Maybe an elder statesman coming off some turbulent seasons makes sense.

Boosting the pass rush is always desired. Indeed, there's simply no such thing as too many players capable of putting a dent into the line of scrimmage. To be sure, Wilkins would need to prove capable of doing so, but the built-in player/coach connection makes the possibility plausible.

Christian Wilkins is 30.