Minnesota Vikings Extend Veteran Defensive Lineman
The Minnesota Vikings made some major additions at pass rusher this offseason after losing Danielle Hunter. The Vikings drafted Dallas Turner and signed veterans Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel. While their edge rush room looks strong, the Vikings are a little weaker at defensive tackle. Although they found some nice undrafted free agents in Levi Drake Rodriguez and Taki Taimani this offseason, they have a long way to go to become full-time starters in the NFL. Currently, the interior starters on the Vikings’ defensive line are Jonathan Bullard, Jerry Tillery, and Harrison Phillips.
Phillips and Bullard have been with the Vikings since 2022. This offseason, Bullard, who is 31, was given a one-year contract extension. So, it was only a matter of time before the Vikings inked a deal with Phillips, who has played better and is younger, at 28, than Bullard. According to Tom Pelissero, the Vikings have extended Phillips for two seasons with $13 million guaranteed.
Vikings Extend Veteran Defensive Lineman Harrison Phillips
In two seasons with the Vikings, Phillips has gathered 151 combined tackles (62 solo and 79 assists), and 4,5.sacks. Last season, under defensive coordinator Brain Flores, Phillips had the best season of his career, gathering 92 combined tackles (44 solo and 48 assists) and three sacks. According to PFF, Phillips also had 15 quarterback hurries in 2023. Although Phillips’s primary role is more of a run stuffer, he proved that he is able to push the pocket last season.
Philips began the 2024 season off strong against the Giants, gathering five combined tackles (1 solo and 4 assists), one sack, and two quarterback pressures. Despite the new additions to the Giants’ offensive line, it is still one of the weaker ones in the NFL, so Phillips was expected to succeed against them. Phillips’s strong first game should set a good foundation for him to continue dominating on the interior of the Vikings’ defensive line.
Phillips coming to terms on a new deal before the end of the season was the best-case scenario for the Vikings.
