The Minnesota Vikings have wrapped up both free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft, but there are still key areas that need attention—especially in the secondary. Despite a stellar 14-3 season under head coach Kevin O’Connell, the team was knocked out early in the playoffs by the Los Angeles Rams in the wild card round. Now, Minnesota is undergoing a bit of a roster reset.
Quarterback Sam Darnold has departed after signing a lucrative three-year, $100.5 million deal elsewhere, paving the way for rookie J.J. McCarthy to take over the starting role. On defense, the changes continue: starting safety Camryn Bynum left for the Colts in free agency, and veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore remains unsigned, making the need for a replacement a top priority.
One intriguing option being floated is former Packers and Bills cornerback Rasul Douglas, who could bring experience and playmaking to the Vikings’ defensive backfield. Pro Football Focus’ Ryan Smith suggested Douglas as a perfect fit for defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ aggressive, blitz-heavy system.
Rasul Douglas
With Minnesota using none of their five draft picks on defensive backs, it seems clear the team is banking on finding veteran help in free agency.
Douglas is coming off a solid 2024 season with Buffalo, where he posted 58 tackles, five pass breakups, and a forced fumble in 15 games. Though he was even more productive in 2023, racking up five interceptions and a defensive touchdown, he remains a capable contributor at age 30. Bringing him back to the NFC North could be exactly the boost Minnesota needs to strengthen its defense heading into 2025.
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