The Minnesota Vikings entered the offseason with many roster holes, such as the offensive line, the defensive line, and the secondary. About two months after free agency, it’s fair to say that they have addressed all of them and have at least a tangible option at every spot for Week 1.
Vikings Urged to Make 1 Final Move
However, some wished the Vikings had spent more resources to bolster the secondary, especially in the draft. Pro Football Focus’ Mason Cameron thinks the Vikings should add another defensive back as their final offseason move.
Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (7) intercepts a pass intended for Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
He wrote: “The Vikings were active in free agency to replenish their secondary, re-signing Byron Murphy Jr. and bringing in Isaiah Rodgers. Mekhi Blackmon will be tabbed to play an increased role, but the Vikings don’t have much proven depth behind him.”
His suggestion is to sign a free agent, Asante Samuel Jr.
“Asante Samuel Jr. is just 25 years old and, despite struggles due to injury in 2024, still maintains a solid grading profile in coverage. Across 2022 and 2023, Samuel posted an 82.0 PFF coverage grade at outside cornerback.”
Cornerback Crew
Nov 12, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (5) intercepts a pass from New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (not pictured) in front of wide receiver Chris Olave (12) during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings completely overhauled their cornerback room and currently have 11 players under contract.
Byron Murphy Jr. Isaiah Rodgers Mekhi Blackmon Jeff Okudah Tavierre Thomas Dwight McGlothern Ambry Thomas Kahlef Hailassie Reddy Steward Keenan Garber Zemaiah Vaughn
Pro Bowler Byron Murphy Jr. signed a huge deal in free agency to return for a third season. Isaiah Rodgers was the team’s first external addition. He played a rotational role in Philadelphia’s Super Bowl run and previously had a comparable role in Indianapolis. Rodgers has played well throughout his career, but it’s unclear whether he can keep that level up for a full season in a full-time role.
Nov 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Trishton Jackson (9) runs against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jeff Okudah (1) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Mekhi Blackmon showed promise in 2023 after being drafted in the third round, but he has only played 435 defensive snaps in his career because a knee injury cost him his entire sophomore season. Jeff Okudah has never lived up to his draft status as a third overall pick and is a journeyman backup at this point in his career.
Tavierre Thomas is viewed primarily as a special-teams player. Ambry Thomas fought some battles for the 49ers in the past, but an injury forced him to sit out 2024 as well, and the other guys are undrafted rookies and sophomores who have yet to prove that they can contribute beyond the preseason.
Signing one more player with starting experience on his resume makes sense.
Asante Samuel Jr.
Dec 23, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (26) enters the field before the game against the Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Many expected Asante Samuel Jr. to have a busy free agency period, but he is still on the market. Samuel Jr. is 25 years old and a former second-rounder of the Los Angeles Chargers.
After playing in all 17 games in 2022 and 2023, he was limited to only four contests last season. In 50 career games, he caught six interceptions and made 176 tackles.
Samuel Jr.’s PFF resume is pretty strong. He struggled in his rookie season but was one of the 30 best cornerbacks in each of 2022 and 2023, according to their grades.
His play isn’t the problem; his injury history is. A shoulder injury knocked him out of the 2024 campaign, and the issue seems ongoing. ESPN’s Chargers reporter Kris Rhim tweeted in January: “CB Asante Samuel Jr., who didn’t play since Week 4, said he’s been dealing with stinger/shoulder injury that sparked from a collision in practice. He also said the injury is an issue he’s been dealing with since he was born but didn’t want to go into details.”
Samuel Jr. now needs a team to take a shot and sign him, likely on a way cheaper deal than his on-field performance deserved. The Vikings have not been afraid to hand out contracts to injured players, and this could be another one-year prove-it deal situation.
Other Options
Dec 1, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Shaquill Griffin (1) and cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (7) and cornerback Fabian Moreau (23) react after Griffin made an interception late during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
If the franchise doesn’t want to take the risk of adding an injured corner, there are still some other free agents available.
Shaq Griffin and Stephon Gilmore, last year’s CBs, remain unsigned. Gilmore is nearing retirement but could return for one final hurrah. Griffin was still solid in 2024, and a comparable CB3 role is realistic. He visited the Seahawks last week.
Jalen Ramsey is on the trade block, and the seven-time Pro Bowler would undoubtedly be the biggest possible splash. He’s on the wrong side of 30, would cost draft capital, and his contract is huge, but it’s fun to think about.
A premier slot cornerback, also on the wrong side of 30, is still looking for a job. Mike Hilton could slide into the slot, allowing Murphy Jr. to exclusively play on the outside, and his blitzing prowess should be intriguing for Brian Flores.
Rasul Douglas is coming off a down year, which could be age-related, but he was one of the better corners in the league a couple of years ago.