The Inevitable: Vikings Poach Another Packers Player

Death, taxes, and the Minnesota Vikings stealing at least one Green Bay Packers player every offseason.

No, it’s not Aaron Rodgers—at least not yet.

This time, it’s free-agent linebacker Eric Wilson, who officially signed with Minnesota. Ironically, the Packers had taken Wilson from the Vikings first, but his return to Minnesota still stings—especially because it was entirely avoidable.

Green Bay essentially let him walk by re-signing Isaiah McDuffie before free agency even began, effectively signaling the end of Wilson’s tenure with the team.

Did the Packers Just Downgrade at Linebacker?

Brian Gutekunst’s decision to keep McDuffie over Wilson is puzzling.

Wilson played a crucial role on special teams, leading the Packers in special teams snaps and even starting 12 games on defense due to injuries. If nothing else, his special teams contributions alone warranted another contract.

According to Zach Kruse of Packers Wire, Wilson’s 23 solo tackles on special teams were the most by any Packers player over the past three seasons. He even made a critical heads-up play in the 2024 playoff loss to the 49ers, saving a Keisean Nixon fumble.

On defense, Wilson was equally reliable, finishing the season with seven tackles for loss, two sacks, and an interception. Among all Packers linebackers, only Edgerrin Cooper had a higher PFF grade than Wilson’s 64.3.

What Does McDuffie Bring to the Table?

Compared to Wilson, McDuffie offers much less.

While Wilson logged 321 special teams snaps last season, McDuffie had only 125. His defensive limitations are even more concerning—he struggles in pass coverage, surrendering 566 yards, five touchdowns, and a 129.6 passer rating last season, per PFF. He’s effectively a two-down linebacker, unable to contribute on obvious passing downs.

Neither Wilson nor McDuffie is a game-changer, but Wilson’s versatility made him the better option. Letting him go just doesn’t add up.

Vikings Strengthen Their Roster at the Packers’ Expense

Now, Wilson returns to a divisional rival, further strengthening a Vikings defense that has had an impressive offseason.

The Packers, on the other hand, have questions to answer. If McDuffie doesn’t take a significant leap, Green Bay could find itself regretting this decision sooner rather than later.