BREAKING NEWS: Minnesota Vikings signed Guard Will Fries to a 5 years contract a deal of $88m….

In a significant move to strengthen their offensive line, the Minnesota Vikings have signed guard Will Fries to a five-year, $88 million contract. This deal positions Fries among the highest-paid right guards in the NFL, reflecting the team’s commitment to bolstering their interior line. Fries, a 26-year-old former seventh-round pick from Penn State, had been with the Indianapolis Colts since 2021. He emerged as a reliable starter, making 31 starts over three seasons. Before a fractured tibia ended his 2024 season prematurely, Fries was having a breakout year, earning an impressive 86.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus through five games .

The Vikings’ decision to invest heavily in Fries underscores their determination to address longstanding issues with their interior offensive line. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has been vocal about the need for improvement in this area, especially after the team’s playoff exit highlighted vulnerabilities up front. Fries is expected to start at right guard, bringing both pass protection prowess and run-blocking strength to the line. His addition, alongside former Colts teammate Ryan Kelly at center, signifies a strategic overhaul aimed at providing better protection for the quarterback and enhancing the running game .

Despite the injury setback in 2024, Fries is reportedly in the final stages of recovery and is on track to be ready for training camp . The Vikings’ medical staff and coaching team are optimistic about his return to full strength, anticipating that he will be a key contributor to the offensive line’s performance in the upcoming season. Fries’ resilience and work ethic have been noted as factors in his successful rehabilitation process.

The acquisition of Fries is part of a broader strategy by the Vikings to reinforce both their offensive and defensive lines. In addition to Fries and Kelly, the team has signed defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and other key players to multi-year deals, aiming to build a more formidable presence in the trenches . These moves reflect the organization’s commitment to addressing critical areas of need and enhancing overall team performance. With these strategic signings, the Vikings are poised to make a stronger push in the upcoming NFL season.