Vikings Still Eyeing Cornerback Help Ahead of the Draft
With the NFL Draft just days away, the Minnesota Vikings appear to be in a solid position. General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was aggressive in free agency, utilizing the team’s generous cap space to make key acquisitions.
However, if there’s one position still needing attention before Week 1, it’s likely cornerback. As it stands, Byron Murphy Jr. is locked in as the top corner after signing a notable deal last month. Behind him is Isaiah Rodgers, a former Packer and Eagle who joined the Vikings early in free agency. While Rodgers is earning close to what you’d expect for a starter, he has only started three games in the last season and has yet to solidify himself as a dependable starting CB over his career.
The depth chart behind Rodgers includes Mekhi Blackmon, who’s rehabbing an ACL injury, followed by names like Jeff Okudah, Ambry Thomas, Dwight McGlothern, and Bubba Bolden — all of whom are more developmental than plug-and-play options.
Some believe the current group could be serviceable in 2025, but there’s a general expectation that Minnesota will add a starting-caliber corner before camp ends. Speculation continues to swirl around possible targets — including buzz linking the Vikings to standout CB Asante Samuel Jr. Meanwhile, veterans like Stephon Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin, who contributed in 2024, are still on the free agent market.
Both Gilmore and Griffin could be options for the Vikings again this year. But until contracts are signed, they’re still available to other teams. Gilmore, for example, was recently seen visiting the Cowboys, a team he started all 17 games for back in 2023. Though now 34, and contemplating retirement earlier in the offseason, he appears open to playing another year.
Last season in Minnesota, Gilmore was a late offseason addition who quickly became a starter next to Murphy Jr. Though his Pro Football Focus grades dipped — with a 62.2 overall and a 59.2 in coverage — he remained solid against the run (72.6 grade). He tallied one interception (off Aaron Rodgers in London) and nine pass breakups over 904 snaps.
While Gilmore’s days as a shutdown corner may be behind him, he could still bring valuable experience and depth to the Vikings’ secondary. He played last year on a one-year, $7 million deal — a figure he likely won’t match this time around — but reliable cornerbacks are always in demand. If he doesn’t sign with Dallas, Minnesota may look to bring him back, regardless of how the draft plays out.
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