The Minnesota Vikings are making moves early in free agency to address one of their key needs, reaching an agreement to sign former Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Isaiah Rodgers during the legal tampering period.
Rodgers, who was a sixth-round pick by the Colts in 2020, spent the 2024 season with the Eagles, playing in 15 games and starting three, including during their Super Bowl run. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Rodgers has signed a 2-year, $15 million contract with the Vikings, including $8 million fully guaranteed. Over the regular season, Rodgers recorded 26 tackles, 4 pass deflections, and 1 forced fumble, while adding 6 tackles, 3 pass breakups, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown during the playoffs.
Isaiah RodgersAt 5-foot-10, Rodgers has the versatility to play both outside and as a nickel corner and has experience as a punt returner. He was a target for the Vikings before free agency opened, especially as their top three corners – Byron Murphy, Shaquill Griffin, and Stephon Gilmore – are all free agents. While Griffin and Gilmore played solidly after being signed last offseason, both will be in their 30s by the 2025 season, and it’s clear they weren’t part of the Vikings’ long-term plan.
The Vikings still have some corner depth, with 2023 third-round pick Mekhi Blackmon expected to start opposite Murphy, though Blackmon missed the 2024 season due to an ACL tear. The team also has 2024 fourth-round pick Khyree Jackson, who tragically died in a car accident over the summer. The Vikings have made several roster adjustments, trading former draft picks Andrew Booth and waiving Akayleb Evans, leaving them a bit thin at the position. Despite this, intriguing young talents like Dwight McGlothern and Reddy Steward, undrafted free agents from 2024, could provide hope for the future.
While the Vikings’ cornerback situation remains a work in progress, the signing of Rodgers is a strong start as they continue to solidify their defense ahead of the 2024 season.
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