Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58), linebacker Eric Wilson (55) and linebacker Andrew van Ginkel (43) have a good time after a play through the first half in opposition to the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Pictures.
Some view the addition of linebacker Jake Golday as being key to the Jonathan Greenard deal. In any case, the rookie defender has a historical past of coming off the sting, that means he may absorb edge rusher snaps for the Vikings as early as 2026.
What will get missed in that calculus is the presence of Eric Wilson.
The off-ball linebacker was utilized in an uncommon method in 2026. Wilson greater than doubled his profession snaps at edge rusher in 2025 alone, boosting what was 327 snaps alongside the defensive position as much as 663 snaps alongside the defensive position. What modified was the trouble from Brian Flores to lean into Wilson’s capability to line up as an edge rusher, a actuality that seems unlikely to alter in 2026.
The Vikings Boast In-Home Edge Rusher Depth
Contemplate what number of view the sting rusher hierarchy:
EDGE1: Andrew Van Ginkel
EDGE2: Dallas Turner
EDGE3: Bo Richter
EDGE4: Tyler Batty
EDGE5: Chaz Chambliss
EDGE6: Arden Walker
EDGE7: Cam’Ron Stewart
Many onlookers look on the checklist and really feel a chilly shiver work down their backbone. The nervous spectator can’t assist however be gripped by worry on the look of the horrors that seem behind Door 3: unproven UDFAs all the best way down. Is the depth as horrific because it seems?
For no matter it’s value, the Vikings seem to consider that there’s little or no cause to worry.
Jul 29, 2025; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43), linebacker Dallas Turner (15) and linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) discuss through the groups coaching camp on the Minnesota Vikings Coaching Facility. Obligatory Credit score: Matt Krohn-Imagn Pictures
Take a look at how the sting rusher hierarchy appears upon contemplating the fact of snap allotments and never the place tag that’s hooked up to gamers. The extra correct hierarchy:
EDGE1: Andrew Van Ginkel
EDGE2: Dallas Turner
EDGE3: Eric Wilson
EDGE4: Ty Ingram-Dawkins
EDGE5: Bo Richter
EDGE6: Tyler Batty
EDGE7: Chaz Chambliss
EDGE8: Arden Walker
EDGE9: Cam’Ron Stewart
Tossing Wilson into the combo modifications the water on the purple beans (which is to say nothing of Ingram-Dawkins).
Final yr, Eric Wilson performed 965 snaps on protection. Trying below the hood means seeing 336 snaps as an edge rusher. His closing stat tally exhibits 115 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 10 quarterback hits, 17 tackles for loss, and an eye-popping 4 compelled fumbles. Wonderful stuff.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson (55) celebrates after a defensive play through the first half in opposition to the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Financial institution Stadium on Sep. 14, 2025, in Minneapolis. Wilson energized the gang along with his response following a key cease as Minnesota’s protection tried to regulate the tempo in opposition to Atlanta throughout early-season NFC motion at dwelling. Obligatory Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Pictures.
Per Over the Cap, Eric Wilson’s contract sits at a trio of seasons for a complete compensation promise coming in at $22,500,000. Paying him a lot can be an overpay have been he merely an off-ball linebacker. Paying him so little can be nice worth if he proves to be an out of doors linebacker on prime of being an off-ball linebacker.
Boasting Van Ginkel alongside Turner because the starters isn’t a foul spot to be. Van Ginkel is already elite; Turner is able to attending to that spot. Wilson can then be an explosive EDGE3 to pin his ears again a few of the time. Ingram-Dawkins generally is a heavy edge rusher who clogs operating lanes because the EDGE4.
A part of what permits the group to maneuver gamers round freely is the presence of men like Golday. Even when he by no means performs a snap at edge rusher in his debut season, Golday will assist at edge rusher if he frees Eric Wilson to be an edge rusher. Primarily, there’s a domino impact that provides Brian Flores the pliability he wishes.
Fairly probably, the transfer is so as to add any individual else to have a extra conventional EDGE3. Jadeveon Clowney, particularly, appears like a very good match. Regardless, the presence of Mr. Wilson signifies that there’s little cause for the group to panic. He’s primarily the EDGE3 till additional discover.
Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Electronic mail: okay.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.
