Initially, this signing looked like a continuation of the free agency build-up of the team’s interior defensive line. Michael Pierce was the big free agent signing of 2020. Dalvin Tomlinson was the big free agent signing of 2021. Now, the Vikings kick of 2022 with the signing of Harrison Phillips. That’s a lot of free agent beef up front. It wasn’t to be. Not long after the Phillips news came word that Pierce was being released. The Vikings tried to retain Pierce on a moderate pay cut but he wasn’t willing. Then they tried to trade him. Nothing materialized. So, he was released. In the end, it’s a defensive tackle swap of Phillips for Pierce. Due to his opt-out in 2020 for health concerns and injuries in 2021, Pierce played in only eight games during his two years on the Vikings roster. While an interior combination and rotation of Pierce, Tomlinson, and Phillips was appealing, it probably tied up too many resources at one position for a cap-strapped team. The Vikings get younger and perhaps more versatile in the defensive tackle swap.
Despite coming out of Stanford, Phillips was one of my favorites in the 2018 NFL Draft. When healthy, he was more role player than starter for most of his four years in Buffalo. He didn’t become a full-time starter until the playoff run last season. Despite the lack of starts, he’s a high-end run-stuffer. He’s an emerging player and his best NFL days are in front of him. Despite those Stanford roots, Phillips is a high-character individual on and off the field. He was named the Bills Walter Payton Man of the Year each of the last two seasons. His charitable work off the field and effort on the field made him an easy fan favorite in Buffalo.
The Vikings are transitioning to a 3-4 base defense this offseason. While today’s NFL offenses force defenses out of their base more often than not, it’s natural to focus on Minnesota’s new front. As things stand now, the Vikings interior defensive line group looks something like this.
Dalvin Tomlinson
Harrison Phillips
Armon Watts
James Lynch
Jaylen Twyman
That’s an intriguing group. I already like what I’ve seen in the league from Dalvin Tomlinson, Harrison Phillips, and Armon Watts. James Lynch started to flash as a pass rusher late last season. Due to an opt-out in college and missing his rookie season, Jaylen Twyman hasn’t played football since 2019. The last time he did play was a 10.5-sack season at Pitt. He was an intriguing player coming out of college. He’s an intriguing player still.
The signing of Harrison Phillips isn’t official until he officially signs as soon as tomorrow.
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