The Minnesota Vikings 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.
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.
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.
According to Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report, Minnesota could find a potential fit in Carolina Panthers linebacker Christian Rozeboom.
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. 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.
Panthers safety Nick Scott told reporters that most casual fans just don't realize how good a player the 29-year-old is:
"I don't think the common fan really knows much about anybody unless you're a household name. So, they're always gonna shrug their shoulders at a guy like Rozeboom, who comes in undrafted. But every time he's had an opportunity to play on defense he's done well and held his own."
Rozeboom just turned 29 last month, helping the Vikings get younger at the position. He did only post a 49.1 PFF grade in 2025, but he led the Panthers with 45 stops.
We'll see what Minnesota does with Wilson first. If they decide his market is too high, then Rozeboom could be an ideal fit for Brian Flores' system.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Vikings named fit for veteran linebacker during 2026 offseason