The Minnesota Vikings may have uncertainty at quarterback, but they’ve addressed several other areas, notably strengthening their defensive line with the additions of Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen in free agency.
However, some have questioned the financial commitment they made.
ESPN’s Benjamin Solak expressed concerns over the cost of Jonathan Allen, particularly his $17 million per year deal. He acknowledged the strategic move of adding depth at the 3-technique position alongside Harrison Phillips but noted, “I did not, however, expect Allen to tip the financial scales at $17 million per year. The entire defensive tackle market came in above my expectation, so perhaps this was just the cost of doing business.” According to Spotrac, the Vikings now have the seventh-highest defensive line payroll in the NFL after ranking 28th in 2024.
Solak’s concerns are shared by Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon, who also listed Allen among the NFL’s “most overpaid players” following free agency. “At 30 and beyond his prime, following consecutive declining seasons, Allen somehow landed a three-year, $51 million deal with the Vikings,” Gagnon wrote, calling the contract too expensive considering Allen’s recent performance and injury history.
Solak, however, offered some understanding, acknowledging that Allen is now the 15th-highest-paid defensive tackle in the league, with Hargrave earning $15 million per year, ranking 18th. He conceded that while the Vikings’ approach was sound, he wished the contracts had been at a lower price point.
Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah emphasized their goal of building a team capable of supporting a young quarterback, and improving a defense that ranked second against the run and fifth in scoring was part of that strategy. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, who worked with Allen during his rookie season with the Washington Commanders, was also key in bringing Allen to Minnesota.
In an interview with Rich Eisen, Allen spoke about the importance of culture during his free agency decision, thanking the Commanders for releasing him. “I just wanted to be a part of [the Vikings] and what they were building,” Allen said, highlighting the strong culture he felt with Coach O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores. He emphasized the need for a positive team culture to win, a sentiment that the Vikings will hope translates into success on the field in 2025 and beyond.
