Vikings DT1 Jalen Redmond has developed into one of the NFL’s best defensive lineman. Soon, he’s going to get a major raise.
So is DT2 Levi Drake Rodriguez.
A 7th-Round choice in the 2024 NFL Draft, Rodriguez has snagged a starting spot and doesn’t appear likely to give it back in 2026. He plays in an energetic, rugged manner that’s reminiscent of Everson Griffen; both are a jack-in-the-box waiting to explode out of their 3-point stances. Paying LDR after his third NFL season looks like it could be a smart move given his upward trajectory.
Pair of Vikings DTs Soon to Get Paid
The Minnesota Vikings have fully leaned into a youth movement along the defensive line. So far, that has been a smart bet for both the budget and the on-field effort.
Consider the hierarchy alongside the age for each of the Vikings’ defensive linemen:
- DT1 Jalen Redmond: 27
- DT2 Levi Drake Rodriguez: 26
- DT3 Ty Ingram-Dawkins: 23
- DT4 Caleb Banks: 23
- DT5 Domonique Orange: 22
- DT6 Elijah Williams: 24
- DT7 Jahvaree Ritzie (PS): 23
Nary a veteran in sight. To the contrary, all of the Vikings’ large lads for that defensive line are working in the early years of their NFL career. Redmond is the elder statesman but he arrived during that ’24 season. None of the linemen have gotten to the point where they could demand that meaty second contract that comes after completing three NFL seasons.
A few months ago, the Vikings made it a priority to hire Ryan Nielsen. Doing so was with an eye toward leaning on the tactician of a coach to bring along those young lads, pushing them higher in their game. If you ever get to practice, watch Coach Nielsen work with the linemen; he’s ultra detailed and specific about what he’s looking for out of his position.
Nielsen must be pleased with how things are going with Jalen Redmond and Levi Drake Rodriguez, in particular.
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Rodriguez, the energetic nose tackle, has proven difficult to corral. In his five starts, Rodriguez has tossed 9 tackles and 1 sack onto the stat sheet. He’s got 3 quarterback hits alongside 2 tackles for loss.
Levi Drake Rodriguez is operating on his rookie contract. Per Over the Cap, the total compensation sits at $4,125,988 across four seasons. That’s a modest amount in the world of NFL finances even if it represents extraordinary wealth for any normal workplace. Soon enough, Rodriguez is going to obliterate that payday that he earned with getting chosen in the 7th of the NFL draft.
Now, there’s nothing that’s forcing the Vikings to go to the negotiation table after the season. What’s becoming clear, though, is that the Vikings DT who boasted intriguing potential coming out of the 2024 NFL Draft is living up to his upside.
Does it make sense to put pen to paper early to try to get a contract across the finish line as the DT is still on the upward ascent? Somebody is going to pay him after his rookie contract ends. All that needs to be determined is whether the compensation comes from the Vikings.
The Minnesota Vikings next play the Indianapolis Colts in Week 7. Look for Rodriguez doing some dirty work in the trenches as he tries to chase down former Vikings QB Daniel Jones.