Will Fries signs five-year deal with Vikings, joining former Colts teammate Ryan Kelly
Will Fries has signed a five-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings, joining his former Colts teammate Ryan Kelly in a move that will strengthen the Vikings' offensive line for the upcoming NFL season.
The Minnesota Vikings have made another significant move in the offseason, securing a new addition to their offensive line. Will Fries, a former Indianapolis Colts guard, has officially agreed to a five-year deal with the Vikings, as reported on Tuesday. This signing adds depth to the team’s offensive line and reinforces their commitment to improving the protection for their quarterback.
Fries, who has spent his professional career with the Colts, will reunite with Ryan Kelly, a former Colts teammate who had already made the move to Minnesota. This collaboration between the two linemen is expected to bring valuable experience and stability to the Vikings' offensive front.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73954489/2166784799.0.jpg "Vikings sign Colts free agent starting RG Will Fries to 5-year, $88M deal. Photo: Stampede Blue. ")
Vikings sign Colts free agent starting RG Will Fries to 5-year, $88M deal. Photo: Stampede Blue.
What this means for the team's offensive line?
Will Fries is set to bolster the Minnesota Vikings' offensive line after agreeing to a lucrative five-year contract. The deal comes as the Vikings aim to improve their protection for quarterback Kirk Cousins. Fries, known for his sturdy play and versatility, adds experience to a position that requires continuity and chemistry. His presence in the line-up will not only strengthen the run game but also help ensure more stability in the pocket.
The contract he signed would make him a borderline top-10 highest-paid guard in the NFL. The deal also reunites Fries with his former Colts teammate Ryan Kelly, the club's longtime center who agreed to a two-year, $18 million deal with Minnesota earlier this week. For Fries, it consists on a five-year, $88 million deal as the Vikings' new No. 1 interior lineman.
Indianapolis Colts Lose Longest Tenured Player to Minnesota Vikings. Photo: Sports Illustrated.
The impact of former Colts teammates joining forces
Fries’ move to the Vikings also brings a familiar face to the offensive line in Ryan Kelly, who was already with the team. Kelly, a former Colts center, has established himself as a top-tier player in the NFL and is expected to play a key role in leading the new-look offensive line. The two former Colts teammates are poised to create a strong partnership that could pay dividends for the Vikings moving forward.
Kelly was the longest-tenured Colt on the roster. The departure of Kelly and Fries means the Colts will have a reworked interior, with a new starting center and a new starting right guard. While in last year’s NFL Draft, the Colts selected Tanor Bortolini from Wisconsin and Matt Goncalves from Pittsburgh. Both players started games as rookies last season and will likely be called upon for expanded roles next season.