Cornerback Depth Still a Priority for Vikings, Rasul Douglas Named as Potential Free-Agent Target
The Minnesota Vikings continue to prioritize bolstering their cornerback group, and with free agency still offering viable options, one name stands out: Rasul Douglas.
Veteran corners Stephon Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin, who both played for the Vikings in 2024, were not re-signed, creating a need at the position. Ryan Smith of Pro Football Focus suggested Minnesota could address this by targeting Douglas in free agency.
“Douglas struggled in 2024, finishing 102nd out of 116 cornerbacks with a 53.9 PFF grade,” Smith noted. “But he posted a career-best 81.0 grade in 2023 and could thrive in Brian Flores’ blitz-heavy scheme.” Smith added that the team’s decision not to draft any defensive backs this year may indicate confidence in filling those gaps via free agency.
Pass Defense a Weak Spot in 2024
Minnesota’s defense was stout against the run—ranking second in the league with just 93.4 rushing yards allowed per game—but its pass defense struggled, allowing the fifth-most yards through the air (4,114 total).
The Vikings did make some moves in the secondary. Byron Murphy Jr. was re-signed to a three-year, $66 million deal following his Pro Bowl season, and Isaiah Rodgers was brought in on a two-year, $15 million contract. Still, question marks remain around players like Ambry Thomas and Jeff Okudah, and the team also added undrafted rookie Zemaiah Vaughn, a promising athlete from Utah.
However, Minnesota’s aggressive defensive scheme depends on solid man-to-man coverage, and depth concerns remain.
- Rasul Douglas
Why Rasul Douglas Could Be a Fit
Originally a third-round pick by the Eagles in 2017, Douglas found his footing with the Packers in 2021 after bouncing between multiple teams. That year, he made five interceptions, two returned for touchdowns. He continued to produce solid numbers with the Bills in 2024, logging 58 total tackles, five pass breakups, and a forced fumble over 15 games. He also had five tackles for loss and made key plays in the playoffs, including recovering an onside kick against the Ravens.
PFF projects Douglas to land a two-year, $26.5 million deal with $15.25 million guaranteed. If Minnesota is willing to make the investment, Douglas could be the experienced, physical presence their secondary needs.
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