A Key Vikings Player Needs To Earn His Contract for Next Season

Vikings Territory argues that Minnesota Vikings right guard Will Fries must improve his performance over the final 12 games of the season to secure his future with the franchise. Former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah signed Fries to a five-year contract worth more than $87 million, but the writer contends Fries is performing at an average level rather than playing to the value of his deal.

Fries has allowed 10 pressures and two sacks while earning a 52.1 Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade across five games. The writer points out that Minnesota holds a contract out before a guaranteed $10 million triggers on March 15, 2027, which could allow the team to save $9.5 million against the cap.