Vikings Free Agency: Cornerback is a massive need in Minnesota and there are a lot of talented players to choose from
The Minnesota Vikings are set to hit free agency with a massive amount of salary cap space. Before factoring in the extension of Theo Jackson, the Vikings will have $62.8 million in salary cap space to maneuver with. They are likely to be big players in the market with a lot of cap space and multiple […]
The Minnesota Vikings are set to hit free agency with a massive amount of salary cap space. Before factoring in the extension of Theo Jackson, the Vikings will have $62.8 million in salary cap space to maneuver with.
They are likely to be big players in the market with a lot of cap space and multiple holes to fill. Defensive tackle is going to be a priority, but cornerback might be a bigger one with four of their players set to hit the open market: Byron Murphy Jr., Stephon Gilmore, Shaquill Griffin, and Fabian Moreau.
Who are the players that the Vikings could end up targeting during free agency? One of them is in house and the rest would be impactful for defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
Byron Murphy Jr.
The number one player for the Vikings to re-sign this offseason is Murphy. After signing a two-year contract before the 2023 season, Murphy played well in his first season with the Vikings, but was significantly better in last year. He logged six interceptions and was a starter in the Pro Bowl Games.
What's interesting about this situation is the Vikings tried to get Murphy signed to an extension before the season. He chose to play on the final year of his deal and looks to be ready to cash in. The Vikings would be smart to bring him back, but Murphy hitting the market could make them may more than they were expecting.
Contract prediction: 4 years, $70 million, $38 million guaranteed
D.J. Reed
The Vikings got an up close and personal look at Reed in week four when they played the New York Jets in London this past October. Not only did Reed play well, he took it to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, allowing just two receptions for 16 yards on seven targets.
While Reed is only 5'-9, he plays much bigger and can attack receivers at the line of scrimmage and also thrives when the ball is in the air. The good part for the Vikings? He's only 28 years old and won't turn 29 until Veterans Day. He would be a great addition to the Vikings' secondary.
Contract prediction: 3 years, $42 million, $27 million guaranteed
Charvarius Ward
Ward hitting free agency is an interesting one. The 49ers didn't have much of a choice in the matter, as he is leaving San Francisco for personal reasons. Ward said that he "has a lot of trauma" from his young daughter tragically passing away this season. It's hard to blame him for wanting a change of scenery.
As a player, he's very talented. 2024 wasn't great for him for obvious reasons. However, he was elite in 2023, including being number one in PFF's Wins Above Replacement metric. With a change of scenery, Ward can theoretically get back to his former self.
Contract prediction: 3 years, $43.5 million, $26 million guaranteed
Carlton Davis
The Vikings got to see Davis in week seven against the Lions and he played relatively well across his 60 snaps. He was a second round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2018 and was traded this offseason to be the Lions number one cornerback.
Overall, he was fine, but Davis suffered one of the many season-ending injuries on the Lions' defense with a broken jaw. He is a solid player and also only 28 years old and Davis' man coverage abilities could end up being a solid option for the Vikings.
Contract prediction: 3 years, $40 million, $23 million guaranteed
Paulson Adebo
Adebo is going to be a very interesting one when it comes to how he's perceived on the free agent market.
For starters, Adebo was emerging as a star on the outside for the New Orleans Saints. In just seven games, Adebo had three interceptions and seven passes defended. His size and length was an issue for opposing offenses.
However, he broke his femur against the Denver Broncos and missed the rest of the season. He looks to be healthy and ready to go, but his health could be a concern. Plus, he might want a shorter term contract because of it.
Contract prediction: 2 years, $24 million, $14 million guaranteed
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