Will Fries

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Vikings' decision to hand Will Fries a five-year, $87.7 million deal at $17.5M AAV represents a significant overpay that earns an F CVI grade, as Minnesota has essentially paid elite guard money for an unproven commodity. Fries enters this contract without the requisite track record to justify compensation that places him among the highest-paid interior linemen in the NFL, creating a massive gap between production tier and salary expectations. The $34 million in guaranteed money compounds the risk, as the Vikings have committed substantial resources to a player who hasn't demonstrated franchise-caliber guard play at the professional level. While offensive line investments can pay dividends when executed properly, this deal lacks the foundational performance data that typically justifies such aggressive spending at the position. Minnesota appears to have bet heavily on potential rather than proven value, creating a contract structure that offers little downside protection if Fries fails to develop into the elite player his salary suggests he already is.

Performance Analysis

Will Fries' F grade with the Vikings is a harsh verdict on a guard who has struggled at every stop in his NFL career. Fries was a developmental lineman who never developed — the technique, strength, and consistency needed to play guard at the NFL level simply haven't been there. His F grade reflects a player who gets beaten regularly against the interior rush. Minnesota's offensive line has been inconsistent, and Fries has been part of the problem. The Vikings need better options on the interior, and Fries doesn't factor into those plans. His NFL career is on life support.