Eric Wilson just has a nose for the football.

He's shown up all over the field this season, wreaking havoc for opposing offenses and logging career-highs in sacks (6.5), tackles for loss (16) and forced fumbles (4) through Minnesota's Week 17 win over Detroit.

"I definitely feel like I'm playing some of my best ball," Wilson said last month. "I think I'm maybe seeing football for what it is. It finally clicked in a certain way. Shout-out to my teammates; we play together pretty well, and coaches help me out a lot. I'm just glad it's coming together."

It isn't surprising to Wilson's former Vikings teammate, Anthony Barr, who recently spoke with "Voice of the Vikings" Paul Allen on his 9 to Noon radio show.

"It's just kind of what he does," Barr said. "I've seen him do it. But it's just the opportunity. The thing about this league is getting a chance, and then when you get your chance, what do you want to do with it?

"He's one of those guys that always takes advantage of his opportunities," Barr added. "It's just great to see such a good dude, good person, great football player, great family … see that success. I'm very happy for him."

Wilson has helped spark Minnesota's defense, which ranked No. 4 in the NFL in sacks per pass attempt and fifth against third downs through Week 17.

And the thing of it is, Wilson wasn't necessarily slated to start when he re-signed with Minnesota this spring and returned where his career began in 2017 as an undrafted rookie out of Cincinnati. He played his first four seasons in Purple, first making a splash on special teams and gradually earning more defensive snaps, eventually starting 15 games in 2020 and hauling in three interceptions. He joined the Eagles in free agency following that season but was released in November and claimed off waivers by Houston.

Wilson started the 2022 season on the Saints practice squad but was signed by the Packers in October; he went on to play the next two-and-a-half seasons in Green Bay, where he overlapped with running back Aaron Jones, Sr.

"A very underrated player. Every time I see him. I give him his flowers," said Jones, now in his second season with Minnesota. "Anytime I got a chance to play against him, play with him — he leaves it all out on the field, and you can see that, and it's contagious. His energy is contagious.

"And then when he gets the opportunities, he plays his butt off. And you've never heard of him complaining, 'Oh, I'm not the starter,' " Jones continued. "When he was in Green Bay, he wasn't starting, necessarily. But when his opportunity came, he made the most of it, and things changed. It's the same thing here."

Wilson impressed during training camp on defense and special teams but was listed as a backup behind Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace, Jr. When Cashman suffered a hamstring injury during the Vikings opener, however, it was next man up.

Wilson answered the bell and hasn't looked back.

He's hung onto a starting position, joining Cashman, who returned in Week 7.

Jones noted young players farther down the depth chart would benefit by studying Wilson's career and approach to the game.

"I'm just super proud of him and continue to see the player that he's grown into, the person, and it's a joy to call him my brother and go to work with him every day," Jones said.

Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell and Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores have been grateful for Wilson's play and leadership on the defense.

O'Connell recently told reporters he'd admired Wilson from afar before having the opportunity to coach him this season.

"You know, I obviously wasn't here with E-Wil previously, but I just remember hearing the way people talked about him, the type of person he was, the physicality he played with, the football I.Q.," O'Connell said. "I was excited about the idea of bringing him back, just knowing that we had competed against him. He jumped off the tape to me, playing as many snaps as he did last year for Green Bay, and just wanted to see if it would be possible to get a player like that in that linebacker room."

Though other suitors came calling for Wilson, he and the Vikings were mutually excited for a reunion.

"I loved it here. There wasn't any bad blood when I left, and I had a lot of teammates that I knew from being here and even that I'd met throughout the league," Wilson said. "Knew it was a great group of guys, great set of coaches and great team, great atmosphere, great organization. You can't help but love it here."

O'Connell said Wilson has exceeded already-high expectations for being "a perfect fit" in Flores' defense.

Wilson has thrived in the system that bears some similarities to past defenses he's played in but still is its own animal.

"I love the ways that we attack," he said. "I like our style of play, and I like the guys on our team. I think we play well together — from the front, second, third level."

Anyone who comes into contact with Wilson can see how much fun he has in every aspect of the game.

From a sweltering training camp practice to a December walk-through session, Wilson has a smile on his face.

"He's a joy to come to work with," Jones said. "Every day, he's speaking to everybody in the facility; it's, how do you not like a guy like that?"

Truthfully, Wilson just can't help it.

"I'm just super grateful, man. I've come a long way to get here," he said. "You've gotta love the game, and I love the game. I'm happy to be out here each time.

"I think it comes along with the journey [having been] several different places," Wilson later added. "Not every place is like this. Not every place is as welcoming as here … and when you see things for what they are, it's a blessing."

Though the Vikings enter Sunday's game knowing it marks the end of their season, which fell short of their ultimate goal, Wilson continues to be thankful for every snap he plays — and to love what he does, no matter the outcome.

"It's just fun playing with these guys, man, in whatever game it is," Wilson said. "Win, lose or draw, we're playing together. The love we have for one another is awesome."