Vikings May Have Finally Found Answers at Biggest 2026 Roster Weakness
Theoretically, the Minnesota Vikings are still in playoff contention, but that could come to an end as early as this week.
The Vikings may have finally uncovered real answers for their biggest 2026 roster weakness, with key secondary fixes and new cornerback options emerging.
The focus is shifting to the 2026 season and how the team can right the wrongs of this season. One Area of the team that needs to be addressed in the offseason is the secondary, and answers to that problem are already emerging.
What the Vikings’ 2026 Secondary Fix Could Actually Look Like
The Vikings are quietly shaping a believable plan to repair their weakest position group, and for once, the emerging options aren’t just wishful thinking.
The Vikings’ defense has been good under Brian Flores’s stewardship, but all the good work tends to be done up front. Minnesota’s defense is at its best when using disguise to confuse the opposing QB about whether a blitz is coming.
The one thing that has been missing is defensive backs who can win consistently on the back end. Byron Murphy had a career year in 2024 and earned a big contract, but followed up a Pro Bowl season in which he was the interception leader among cornerbacks with a poor year without a single INT to date.
Minnesota made the move to bring in Isaiah Rodgers on a modest contract and give Jeff Okudah a chance. Rodgers has had an up-and-down season, while Okudah continued his pattern of failing to fulfill his promise and getting injured. Meanwhile, Camryn Bynum was allowed to leave for big money in Indianapolis, while Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin also didn’t return. An area that needed improving this year has arguably been weaker.
Who Will Still Be Here in 2026?
We are almost certainly entering the final few games of Harrison Smith’s remarkable career in Minnesota. A man who should go into the Hall of Fame and will turn 37 in February has seen his play decline in recent years. He appeared close to retirement at the end of last season; this time, it feels right for him to conclude his career. It will leave the Vikings with Josh Metellis, Theo Jackson, and Jay Ward at safety. The team will need a significant addition to its ranks.
At cornerback, the Vikings will have Murphy and Rodgers on the books, with Okudah, Fabian Moreau, and Tavierre Thomas all free agents. Again, a significant addition is needed, as well as some competition for depth places. Last offseason, the Vikings made a considerable effort to get stronger in the trenches; this year, that focus should shift to the secondary.
Options at DB for the 2026 Season
Minnesota can either look to free agency, the draft, or a trade to improve its secondary. We don’t know what options – if any – will be available through a trade, but we look at who might be available in free agency. The Vikings could pursue players like Jamel Dean, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Roger McCreary, Greg Newsome, Alontae Taylor, Jalen Thompson, Andre Cisco, and Kamren Curl, to name a few.
When it comes to the draft, Pro Football Focus sent an exciting prospect Minnesota’s way in their latest mock draft. Having sent the number one running back prospect to the Vikings in their previous mock, this time they sent the top-ranked defensive back. Ohio State’s Caleb Downs is expected to be a consensus top-five player, but slides to the Vikings at 11 due to safety not being seen as a prime position.
Here is what PFF has to say about their selection.
Downs is one of the best players in this draft class and will likely be a consensus top-five prospect on big boards. But how high do you draft a safety? Kyle Hamilton went No. 14 overall, and Antoine Winfield Jr. was a second-round pick — and both are among the best in the league.
Minnesota could easily covet a player like Downs, especially given how versatile he would be on the back end of a Brian Flores defense.
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah might get a chance at redemption from the 2022 draft, when he infamously passed on Kyle Hamilton. With three picks on Day 2, there will also be a chance to pick up a CB and cleanse the draft that has haunted the Vikings GM. – Lewis Cine and Andrew Booth were both massive disappointments that set the franchise back.
Down’s is an exciting prospect that would be a great get for Minnesota and a good start to a revamped Vikings secondary for 2026.
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