The Vikings Must Win the Bidding War for Will Fries
Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Last week, I wrote an article explaining why I felt like Philadelphia Eagles’ Mekhi Becton was the best fit free agent for the Minnesota Vikings at right guard. To summarize, the article went into detail on how Becton was more affordable, more athletic, and a better scheme fit for the Vikings outside zone rushing scheme compared to Trey Smith. If the Vikings were to sign either of those two guys, I would’ve been a happy camper.
Shortly after that article was published, two events completely changed Minnesota’s free agency outlook at right guard. First, the Vikings announced that they hired former Tennessee Titans and New York Jets offensive line coach Keith Carter as their assistant offensive line coach. Carter has built a reputation of being a bit of a tough guy, who rubs players the wrong way. So much so that former Titans and Jets players have publicly expressed their disdain for him. That includes Mekhi Becton, who made it publicly known in a since deleted Twitter comment that he isn’t very fond of Carter.
Because of Becton’s beef with Keith Carter, it’s highly unlikely that he’ll sign with the Vikings at this point. To make matters worse, the Kansas City Chiefs placed the franchise tag on Trey Smith, with the intent to hammer out an extension with the 25 year old guard. Trey Smith was widely viewed as one of the best players in this free agent class, and now that Smith and Becton are both off the market it leaves the Vikings with only one option. Do whatever it takes to win the Will Fries sweepstakes.
Fries, who spent his first four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, has established himself as one of the NFL’s best run blockers and an above average pass protector. Pro Football Focus ranked Fries as the 5th-best run blocking guard in the NFL, and the 18th best pass blocking guard in 2024. Granted, his season was cut short due to a fractured tibia and fibula in his right lower leg in the Colts’ Week 5 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Nevertheless, he’s entering his prime at 26 years old and is expected to receive a major payday in free agency.
Alec Lewis reported on Monday that the Minnesota Vikings are expected to show significant interest in Fries. However, he also noted that “the Vikings will likely be bidding against multiple teams, including the NFC North-rival Chicago Bears.” The Bears drafted quarterback Caleb Williams with the #1 overall pick in 2024, and they just hired the top head coaching candidate in Ben Johnson who understands the importance of building a dominant offensive line. In order for Chicago to succeed in 2025, Johnson needs the ability to call insane trick plays and Williams needs time to throw in the pocket.
So I would fully expect the Chicago Bears to invest heavily in the interior offensive line this offseason. The Bears have been connected to Will Fries, Kevin Zeitler, Aaron Banks, and Drew Dalman, who is expected to receive a contract worth $20 million a year as the only above average center on the market. It wouldn’t be the end of the world if Ryan Poles signed Zeitler, Banks, or Dalman. However, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah cannot allow the Bears, or any team, to beat the Vikings in the bidding war for Fries.
Will Fries is the last young and above average right guard available in free agency. James Daniels may be the next best option at 27 years old and would fit the Vikings zone running scheme, but he’s coming off a torn achilles and has struggled as a pass blocker throughout his career. Daniels was kicked to the curb by the Bears when Poles arrived in 2021, so he shouldn’t be viewed as a long-term solution. The rest of the available right guards are veterans like Brandon Scherff, Dalton Risner, and Zeitler who are stop gap options at best.
The only other player who is young and talented enough to be a long-term answer for Minnesota is Baltimore Ravens swing lineman Patrick Mekari, who has played at all five offensive line spots. That being said, Mekari still played the majority of his snaps at left guard and isn’t a dominant enough run blocker to be considered a difference maker. If the Minnesota Vikings want to sign one player who can be the answer at right guard for the next 5 years, then Will Fries is their only option and they cannot afford to lose out on him.
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