7 Veteran Cornerbacks the Vikings Could Still Add in Free Agency
With the NFL Draft concluded and offseason activities underway, the Minnesota Vikings still have an opportunity to improve their cornerback group by signing available veteran free agents. Although they added a few undrafted players at the position, the team didn’t select a cornerback in this year’s draft. Byron Murphy Jr. is the clear No. 1, and the team is optimistic about Isaiah Rodgers as the second option. However, depth beyond those two remains a concern.
Currently, Mekhi Blackmon and Jeff Okudah round out the depth chart. Blackmon is returning from an ACL injury, and Okudah, once a top-five draft pick, is now on his fourth team in as many years. With around $14 million in usable cap space, Minnesota is in a position to bring in additional competition. Here are seven unsigned veterans who could be good fits for Brian Flores’ defense:
1. Rasul Douglas
Though he had a quieter 2024 season with Buffalo, Douglas was highly productive in prior years with Green Bay, totaling 14 interceptions and 40 pass breakups from 2021 to 2023. PFF sees him as a scheme fit for Minnesota. If signed, he would likely be a Week 1 starter. Douglas turns 30 in August.
2. Asante Samuel Jr.
At just 25, Samuel is younger than most options on this list. He flashed during his rookie deal with the Chargers, but injuries limited him to just four games last season. Despite that, his improving grades and ball skills make him an intriguing possibility. However, current reports suggest Minnesota isn’t pursuing him.
3. Stephon Gilmore
Gilmore played for the Vikings last year and could be a candidate to return. Despite being 35 this year, he remains a steady contributor. His familiarity with Flores and his prior performance could warrant another short-term contract.
4. Shaq Griffin
Griffin, who turns 30 this summer, was Minnesota’s third corner last season and performed well in that role. While he doesn’t have Gilmore’s résumé, he brings consistency and strong tackling ability on the perimeter.
5. Kendall Fuller
A seasoned veteran with the versatility to play both man and zone coverage, Fuller started 11 games for Miami last year. Despite some injuries, he has maintained a high level of play throughout his nine-year career.
6. Jack Jones
Minnesota previously attempted to claim Jones off waivers in 2023. Though he struggled as a starter last year, he has shown flashes in a rotational role, including four defensive touchdowns from seven interceptions in his career. He’s 27 and has a reputation as a playmaker, albeit with some off-field concerns.
7. C.J. Henderson
A potential reclamation project, Henderson was a top-10 pick in 2020 but has struggled to find his footing. Still only 26, he brings elite athletic traits and would be a low-risk depth addition. However, he’s unlikely to solve the team’s immediate need for a reliable starting corner.
