The Minnesota Vikings’ offseason overhaul of their defensive line has already been extensive, and it continued on Thursday with the addition of Isaiahh Loudermilk.
Minnesota has parted with three starters from a front that was supposed to be the engine of their defense. However, the group battled through injuries and stretches of ineffectiveness last season, fueling the need for change.
Loudermilk brings an imposing presence to the rebuilt group.
Ex-Steelers DL Isaiah Loudermilk Signs With Vikings in Free Agency
GettyIsaiahh Loudermilk is an imposing physical presence for the Minnesota Vikings.
“Veteran defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk is signing with the Minnesota Vikings, per source,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported in a post on X on May 21.
“Loudermilk spent the last five seasons in Pittsburgh.”
Loudermilk, who turns 29 in October, is listed at 6-foot-7 and 293 pounds. He only played in two games last season, landing on injured reserve twice–once in the regular season and again just ahead of the postseason.
Loudermilk had 17 total tackles in 2024 in 16 games during the regular season. He has 63 combined stops and 1.0 sacks in 60 career games with seven starts, all with the Steelers.
He has more pass deflections (6) than tackles for loss (1) so far.
That is unlikely to change if he sticks with the Vikings through the offseason. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores asks interior linemen in his scheme to occupy blockers. Their job is to free up the edge rushers and inside linebackers.
Vikings Reshaped D-Line This Offseason
GettyJavon Hargrave was part of an offseason housecleaning for the Minnesota Vikings.
Before adding Loudermilk, the Vikings had a bloodletting of sorts, cutting ties with starting interior defensive linemen Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, as well as Pro Bowl edge rusher Jonathan Greenard.
The Vikings’ defense ranked third overall and seventh in scoring during the 2025 regular season, but their run defense lagged.
Minnesota finished 21st against the run, belying their second-ranked pass defense.
Loudermilk is an intriguing addition in that regard, given that he has shown a penchant for using his length to deflect passes at the line of scrimmage throughout his career. He could join former undrafted free agent-turned-standout-starter Jalen Redmond in the Vikings’ starting lineup.
The Vikings also signed former Indianapolis Colts fifth-round draft pick (2022) Eric Johnson in free agency this offseason.
Minnesota also selected two DTs in the 2026 draft.
They took Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange with picks Nos. 18 and 82 overall, adding them to recent draftees Levi Drake Rodriguez and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins and former undrafted free agents like Taki Taimani.
Vikings’ Finances Back in Order
GettyBrian Flores will have a new group to work with after the Minnesota Vikings’ offseason roster changes.
Part of the reason the Vikings moved on from the likes of Allen, Greenard, and Hargrave was because of their financial situation. The Vikings entered the 2026 offseason over the salary cap and had to get in compliance before adding to their group.
Loudermilk is coming off a one-year, $1.6 million contract with the Steelers, and he has earned $5.4 million in his career.
Spotrac projected his market value at a one-year, $1.2 million pact.
The Vikings need bargain moves such as this to pay off while they get themselves back on track after a “down” season (that still resulted in a winning record) in 2025. If Loudermilk shows well, he could be in line for a bigger payday next offseason.
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