Vikings Confirm Bargain of the Offseason

Jeffrey Becker

During this offseason, if there has been a better value signing than Jalen Redmond’s exclusive rights tender that keeps him in Minnesota for the 2026 season, I haven’t seen it. The Vikings announced their interest in keeping Redmond a while back, but it became official on Tuesday when the big defensive tackle signed on the dotted line. The deal represents a massive bargain for the Vikings.

Redmond Could Outplay His Contract in 2026

From unwanted in 2023, failing to make the grade as an undrafted free agent with the Carolina Panthers, and spending a season playing in the XFL. Redmond’s career trajectory has been done the hard way.

After two seasons with the Vikings, he has quickly become one of the most important players on Brian Flores’s defense, and securing his services for this season at the meager amount of a touch over $1 million is an absolute bargain.

Dec 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Jalen Redmond (61) is unable to stop Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) from scoring a touchdown during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin via Imagn Images.

For reference, the Vikings spent $30+ million combined to sign Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen last year. Both have left Minnesota after being comfortably outperformed by Redmond during the 2025 season.

Redmond even got a bonus payday this offseason thanks to the league’s new performance-based payment system. If his performance continues to trend in the same direction, he can expect a big contract to come his way eventually, but for now, the Vikings have a very good player at the minimum price point.

Redmond’s Vikings Career So Far

His more unusual career path has seen Redmond break through as a seemingly young player, even though he turns 27 in March. Minnesota took a chance on him in 2024, and the former Oklahoma Sooner grasped it with both hands.

He fought his way onto the roster and played in 13 games, even finishing the season with two starts. Redmond recorded 18 tackles, one sack, and two pass breakups, and despite the two big signings at his position, he was expected to still have a role in 2025.

Dec 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Jalen Redmond (61) reacts with linebacker Eric Wilson (55) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

As it turned out, Redmond appeared in all 17 games for the Vikings last season, officially starting 15. He totaled 62 tackles, six sacks, 36 pressures, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and five pass breakups.

Redmond earned an overall defensive grade of 72.7 from Pro Football Focusin the 2025 season, 22nd among 134 qualified interior defensive linemen. His PFF pass-rush grade of 62.5 ranked 66th among 134 qualified linemen, and his run-defense grade of 72.7 ranked an impressive 10th at the position.

He built on his promising debut season in Minnesota and cemented himself as a vital part of the Vikings defense – bringing him back for the 2026 season was a no-brainer. I would hope Redmond’s stay in Minnesota extends beyond a third season, but that decision will come down the line.

For now, the Vikings have a very good player for a very low price. Redmond has been one of the best acquisitions made by the team in recent years.