October 29, 2023; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants cornerback Adoree' Jackson (22) catches the ball during a pre-game warm-up. © Kevin R. Wexler - The Record / USA TODAY NETWORK.
The Minnesota Vikings have plenty of cornerbacks at the moment — about 10 of them — but the club should grow richer, says ESPN.
Matt Bowen of ESPN posted top landing spots for the NFL’s top free agents, and when he arrived at Adoree’ Jackson, formerly of the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants, the Vikings were named the best fit.
Jackson, 28, spent the last three seasons in New York after four years in Tennessee. He was not re-signed by the Giants and remains on the open market. Bowen named-dropped Minnesota and explained, “The Vikings drafted cornerback Khyree Jackson out of Oregon in the fourth round of April’s draft. He’s long at 6-foot-4 and has the physical traits to challenge wide receivers. But there’s still a need to add cornerback depth for an aggressive defense under coordinator Brian Flores that will heat up the pocket. Last season, Minnesota led the NFL with a blitz rate of 49.4%. That’s a combination of zone and man pressure, which fits the aggressive coverage traits and eyes of Adoree’ Jackson.”
If the season began today, Minnesota would start two men from this group of contenders: Byron Murphy, Andrew Booth, Mekhi Blackmon, Shaquill Griffin, Akayleb Evans, and rookie Khyree Jackson.
Bowen added, “Even with a lack of ball production (four career interceptions), Jackson can provide competition in the Minnesota secondary this summer, and the scheme can put him in a position to make plays.”
Here’s Jackson’s Pro Football Focus resume to date:
2023 = 48.6
2022 = 72.2
2021 = 74.9
2020 = 58.7 (3 games played)
2019 = 76.2
2018 = 73.0
2017 = 75.4
So, it’s a generally productive career for Jackson, with some curious down seasons and the inconvenient placement of an underwhelming campaign last year — probably why he has no new home after two months of free agency.
This is Jackson’s passer-rating-against in the same timeframe:
2023 = 95.5
2022 = 83.9
2021 = 69.0
2020 = 145.8 (3 games played)
2019 = 94.3
2018 = 89.9
2017 = stat not available
Although Minnesota’s defense markedly improved from 2022 to 2023, the completion percentage allowed to opposing quarterbacks ranked 32nd in the sport last year. With or without Jackson, defensive coordinator Brian Flores must fix his secondary, as two consecutive seasons in the basement per completion percentage allowed would cause doldrums.
Bowen’s article also recommended Minnesota as the best fit for left guard Dalton Risner, who played for the club in 2023.
The Vikings have about $17 million in cap space before signing the full 2024 draft class.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.