The Minnesota Vikings have been active in free agency, focusing on strengthening their offensive and defensive lines to prepare for the 2025 NFL season. With a new quarterback taking over in Minnesota, bolstering the offensive line became a priority, leading to the signing of two valuable veteran linemen. These two players, who were previously teammates on the Indianapolis Colts since 2021, will now reunite to improve a Vikings offensive line that has struggled in past seasons.
The two linemen are two former Indianapolis Colts linemen, Ryan Kelly and Will Fries
Will Fries: An Underrated Free Agent Addition
Among the Vikings’ acquisitions, guard Will Fries stands out as a particularly promising signing. ESPN analyst Benjamin Solak has been especially vocal about his praise for the move, calling Fries one of his top free-agent “gems.” According to Solak, Fries is an underrated but elite guard, with the potential to earn a Pro Bowl nod if he fully recovers from a tibia injury that ended his 2024 season early.
Fries was ranked as the No. 18 overall free agent and the second-best guard available by analysts at The Athletic, which included David DeChant, Jourdan Rodrigue, and Vic Tafur. Their report detailed his journey from a seventh-round draft pick who initially struggled in 2022 to becoming one of the league’s most improved players in 2023. By 2024, he had taken yet another step forward before his season-ending injury.
Fries’ ability as both a strong run blocker and a reliable pass protector makes him a valuable asset to the Vikings’ offensive line. His aggressive playing style also brings a toughness and intensity that can set the tone for the entire unit. He is expected to replace Ed Ingram at right guard, who was recently traded to the Houston Texans. The Vikings committed to Fries by signing him to a five-year, $87.7 million deal.
Ryan Kelly: A Proven Leader with Injury Concerns
Another key addition to the Vikings’ offensive line is center Ryan Kelly, who is stepping in to replace Garrett Bradbury. While Bradbury had been a serviceable center, his pass-protection struggles made him expendable, and the Vikings opted to take a chance on Kelly, a former Pro Bowl lineman.
Solak highlighted Kelly’s acquisition as a smart move for a team looking to contend. He noted that while Kelly is slightly older (31) than Bradbury (29), the Vikings’ decision to upgrade at even their average positions is a sign that they are acting like a true contender rather than just settling for mediocrity.
However, Kelly does come with risks, particularly his injury history. He played in only 10 games in 2024, his fewest appearances since 2017, due to a neck issue and a knee injury that required surgery. Despite concerns over whether his knee will ever be fully the same again, Kelly remains determined to continue playing.
The Athletic’s free agency rankings placed Kelly as the third-best center available and the No. 84 free agent overall. Despite his recent injuries, he was still productive when on the field, allowing only one sack and 11 total pressures in 2024. While he is no longer playing at the elite Pro Bowl level of his prime, he remains a reliable veteran presence and leader who can help stabilize Minnesota’s offensive line.
Kelly signed a two-year, $18 million contract, but crucially, there is no guaranteed money for 2026. If the Vikings choose to move on from him after one season, they can cut him and save $12.1 million without incurring any dead money on the salary cap.
Vikings Building a Stronger Offensive Line for 2025
The Vikings’ offensive line struggled last season, ranking 16th in run blocking and 18th in pass protection, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). By adding Fries and Kelly, the team has made a significant effort to improve in the trenches.
Alongside their new additions, the Vikings will also welcome back left tackle Christian Darrisaw, left guard Blake Brandel, and right tackle Brian O’Neill. With these pieces in place, Minnesota’s offensive line is shaping up to be one of the strongest units on paper heading into the 2025 season.
Additional Moves: Running Back Depth and Contender Mentality
Beyond the offensive line upgrades, the Vikings also made a trade to acquire running back Jordan Mason from the San Francisco 49ers. Mason is a powerful, bigger-bodied rusher, who will serve as a complementary back to Aaron Jones, whom the Vikings re-signed earlier this offseason.
Minnesota’s aggressive approach in free agency has earned praise from analysts. ESPN’s Benjamin Solak ranked their offseason as the third-best in the NFL, emphasizing how the team has made strategic moves to address key weaknesses.
The Big Picture: Can the Vikings Overcome QB Uncertainty?
While the Vikings’ roster appears strong in most areas, their biggest question mark remains at quarterback. With Kirk Cousins departing in 2024, the team is now transitioning to a new signal-caller for the 2025 season.
Still, the additions of Fries and Kelly, along with improvements on the defensive side of the ball, have positioned the Vikings as a team built to withstand uncertainty at quarterback. If their new-look offensive line delivers as expected, the team could be well-positioned to make a serious playoff push in 2025.
With the 2025 NFL Draft still to come, the Vikings have more opportunities to fine-tune their roster. But based on their free agency moves so far, they are sending a clear message that they intend to be serious contenders moving forward.
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