savings against the salary cap.
 before the game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Harrison-Phillips.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=650,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Harrison-Phillips.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Harrison-Phillips.jpg” alt=”Interior Defensive Line”><figcaption>Sep 14, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets defensive tackle Harrison Phillips (97) before the game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
</div>
<p>Former Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah also made the surprising move to trade away starting nose tackle Harrison Phillips before the 2025 season began. His absence left the Vikings’ run defense floundering at times last season. </p>
<p>The good news was that Jalen Redmond truly emerged as one of the Vikings’ best defensive players, showing ability in run defense and pass rushing. He should now be the pillar to build the rest of the team’s defensive line around.</p>
<p><strong>The Future of the Vikings IDL </strong></p>
<p>The Vikings have some decent depth players at IDL, including Levi Drake Rodriguez, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, and Taki Taimani. Unless one of those shows incredible progression, they may stay as depth pieces, while the Vikings will have to look at replacing Hargrave and Allen — both at 30 , they were never long-term solutions.</p>
<p>The best way to find a long-term solution is through the draft, and I certainly wouldn’t rule out Minnesota using an early draft pick to address this area of the team. If Clemson’s Peter Woods slid down the board, he would be a great option.</p>
<p>Other interior defenders that are receiving first-round buzz include Caleb Banks and Kayden McDonald — the latter was sent to Minnesota in<a href=)
Pro Football Focus’ latest mock draft. Alternatively, new general manager Rob Brzezinski could use one of his three Day 2 draft picks to address the position.
 watches from the sideline during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9. © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/USATSI_27709597.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/USATSI_27709597.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/USATSI_27709597.jpg” alt><figcaption>Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Kayden McDonald (98) watches from the sideline during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9. © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.</figcaption></figure>
</div>
<p>The Vikings could also look to bring in another, preferably younger, veteran into the mix. Once again, looking to free agency, although there’s not a great deal of quality at a young age available. Levi Onwuzirike is perhaps the standout candidate. Or they could look to trade for Daron Payne, a player who could be available.</p>
<p>Whatever happens over the next few months, I would expect there to be some turnaround on the Vikings’ defensive line. Preferably, it will involve getting younger and more talented.</p>
<hr>
<div>
<p><img alt=)
Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.
