Vikings agree to terms with former Packers DE Dean Lowry

The Minnesota Vikings agreed to terms with former Green Bay Packers defensive end Dean Lowry on Friday, paving the way for the veteran lineman to bolster the team’s pass rush in 2023.

The #Vikings have agreed to terms with former #Packers DL Dean Lowry, per source. Lowry started 80 games over seven seasons in Green Bay and has 15.5 career sacks.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 17, 2023

Lowry was originally selected by the Packers in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL draft and had played his entire career in Green Bay before signing with Minnesota. He played his college ball at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois where he majored in Economics.

Two years, $8.5 million for Dean Lowry in Minnesota, per source. https://t.co/XIKgBYWw9L

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 17, 2023

A proven veteran, Lowry started 80 games in seven seasons with the Packers during a tenure that saw him secure 15.5 sacks, 34 quarterback hits, and an interception.

Whether he will start for the Vikings in 2023 is unknown at this time, though his $8.5 million contract will incentivize the team to get him on the field consistently, even if only in a rotational role. What is certain, though, is that this deal points to a concerted effort by Minnesota to improve their defense ahead of next season when they will look to push for serious playoff contention after the disappointing end to their latest campaign