As the Vikings surveyed their their options with hopes of improving the interior of their offensive line, they were looking for an edge however they could get it.

Some thought the Vikings might try to make a big splash by targeting star right guard Trey Smith. That went out the window when the Kansas City Chiefs decided to place the franchise tag on him.

So, the Vikings shifted their focus to a pair of former teammates that spent time together with the Indianapolis Colts, and in the span of about 12 hours agreed to terms with center Ryan Kelly and right guard Will Fries in the early stages of free agency.

The familiarity that Kelly and Fries already have could help with continuity as they acclimate to a new group in the trenches that features left tackle Christian Darrisaw and right tackle Brian O’Neill.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for both of us to come in with some understanding of each other,” Kelly said. “It’s the only position on the field where we truly rely on everybody else around us to do our job.”

Talking to reporters for the first time since officially signing his contract with the Vikings, Kelly recalled how he actually got a call from Fries to let him know he would be joining him in Minnesota.

“I’m like, ‘There’s no way,’ ” Kelly said. “That doesn’t happen in free agency.”

Although they each had their own personal reasons for picking the Vikings, the fact that they were reunited was certainly an added bonus.

“We see the game through almost the same lens,” Fries said. “That’s a big plus for both of us.”

As well as they work together on the field, they also have developed a close friendship off the field. It’s pretty clear how strongly Kelly feels about Fries listening to him rave about his growth.

“I could sit here and talk about him forever,” Kelly said. “He’s the ultimately glue guy. He’s a guy that holds the room together. He’s always going to (bring the best out of everybody) and that’s a great thing to have because offensive linemen need that.”

That served Fries well as he steadily developed into a reliable starter since being selected by the Colts in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft. It also helped that Fries could lean on Kelly throughout his rise up the ranks.

“I was the only rookie when I first got there, and he gave me the confidence to be able to be myself and flourish and bring what I had to the table,” Fries said. “He’s played a huge part in my development. He’s done a lot for me and my family. I love that guy, and it’s exciting to be able to keep playing with him.”

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