Earlier this offseason, the Vikings made a bold move by signing Will Fries as part of their $300 million free-agent spending spree aimed at building a Super Bowl-caliber roster. The veteran guard, expected to slot in as the starting right guard, was brought in to replace Ed Ingram and Dalton Risner. His signing, alongside center Ryan Kelly and 2025 first-round pick Donovan Jackson, signals a major overhaul of the Vikings’ offensive line, a unit critical to protecting new starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy and powering the team’s run game.
The Minnesota Vikings just wrapped up their first week of full-team OTAs, and they are providing fans with some good news about their offensive line.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell recently spent some time answering questions from the local Twin Cities media about all things related to the team’s OTA workouts. At one point, O’Connell provided a much-needed update regarding one of their big-name free agent signings in offensive guard Will Fries.
This offseason, Fries has been continuing to recover from a fractured tibia he suffered last season. O’Connell shared that the veteran offensive lineman will most likely not participate in workouts during the spring, but he’s encouraged that he will be ready after that.
“It’s almost hard to believe with how strong he is some of the things you are hearing about from what he’s doing in the weight room, but we’re being really smart just with the injury that it was, and once we are able to get him in and get a feel for that.
Knowing how we handle the spring, I don’t know if we will see him fully active this spring, but I have no hesitation to say that I’m really excited to see him when he is able to get out there. More likely training camp, but there’s still a chance we could see him in some bits and pieces of work over the next two weeks, but he’s in a good spot.”
Will Fries getting healthy is the key to Minnesota Vikings success in 2025
The Indianapolis Colts selected Fries in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft and have risen the ranks as one of the top guards in the NFL. He has started 31 of 41 games over the last four years, but his tibia injury cost him five games last year.
According to PFF, Fries was one of the best guards in the NFL last season. He received an overall grade of 86.9, which was ranked fourth among all guards. His run-blocking grade is what elevated him to be one of the top guards, as he ranked fifth with a grade of 84.9.
Earlier this offseason, Minnesota signed Fries to a mammoth five-year, $88 million contract that will keep him on the roster through the 2029 season. He’s expected to be slotted in as the starting right guard, which was held by Ed Ingram and Dalton Risner last year.
Fries joins Ryan Kelly and 2025 first-round pick Donovan Jackson as new projected starters on the offensive line. Kelly and Fries were part of the $300 million spending spree on free agents to build a Super Bowl-caliber team.
What This Means for the Vikings
Fries’ potential return is a massive boost for a Vikings team looking to compete in the ultra-competitive NFC North. With a revamped offensive line featuring Fries, Kelly, and Jackson, the Vikings are positioning themselves to protect J.J. McCarthy, who is set to take the reins as the starting quarterback in 2025 after missing his rookie season due to a knee injury. A healthy and dominant Fries could provide the stability and power needed to open running lanes for the likes of Aaron Jones and create a pocket for McCarthy to showcase his arm talent, which teammate T.J. Hockenson recently praised as “sick.”
Moreover, Fries’ return could have a ripple effect on the team’s strategy. O’Connell’s cautious approach to Fries’ rehab indicates a long-term investment in the player’s health, ensuring he’s ready for the grind of training camp and the regular season. If Fries can reclaim his spot as the starting right guard by the start of camp, as O’Connell hopes, the Vikings’ offensive line could become one of the league’s most formidable units, a far cry from the inconsistencies of previous seasons.
A New Era in Minnesota
The Vikings’ aggressive offseason moves, including Fries’ signing, reflect a franchise determined to capitalize on its 14-3 record in 2024 and push for a deep playoff run. O’Connell, who was named the 2024 AP NFL Coach of the Year, has proven adept at maximizing his roster’s potential, even amidst challenges like quarterback instability and a tough division. His ability to integrate high-profile newcomers like Fries while fostering the development of young talents like McCarthy and edge rusher Dallas Turner speaks to his vision for a balanced, dynamic team.
Fries’ unexpected progress adds another layer of intrigue to an already compelling Vikings storyline. His return to the lineup, potentially as a stronger and more dominant player than before, could be the x-factor that elevates Minnesota’s offense to new heights. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Fries to see if he can live up to the hype and deliver on the promise of his $88 million contract.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Vikings are no strangers to defying expectations, and Will Fries’ recovery could be the latest chapter in their improbable rise. Kevin O’Connell’s hint about Fries’ extraordinary strength gains suggests that the $88 million star is poised to return in a way no one saw coming—potentially as a dominant force who redefines the Vikings’ offensive line. As the team gears up for the 2025 season, Fries’ comeback could be the key to unlocking a new level of success for a franchise hungry for a Super Bowl. Stay tuned, Vikings fans—this is one return you won’t want to miss!