Feb. 17, 2026, 9:54 p.m. CT<\/p>\n
The Minnesota Vikings<\/a> had one of the best defenses in the league over the second half of the season. But that doesn’t mean they can’t look to add cheaper, veteran options to continue improving and build depth.<\/p>\n Linebacker wasn’t necessarily a weakness for the 2025 Vikings, but that’s in part because of how well Eric Wilson played when called upon. He replaced Blake Cashman in Week 1 and then started the next four games in his place. After that, Wilson replaced Ivan Pace, Jr. at the other linebacker spot when Pace’s play became way too inconsistent.<\/p>\n Wilson played well, but he will turn 32 in September and could seek an above-market deal after his impressive 2025 season. While Minnesota would love to have him back, linebacker isn’t a position where teams typically overspend, especially for older players. That could force the Vikings to pivot to other options in free agency.<\/p>\n According to Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report<\/a>, Minnesota could find a potential fit in Carolina Panthers<\/a> linebacker Christian Rozeboom.<\/p>\n Christian Rozeboom of the Carolina Panthers is hardly a household name at the position, but two years ago he posted 135 total tackles in 17 games and 11 starts for the Los Angeles Rams<\/a>. That got him a one-year deal with the Panthers, where he wore the green dot helmet communicator and paced the team with 122 total stops.<\/p>\n