Vikings Urged to Sign Veteran Defender
NFL media really seems to think that the Minnesota Vikings should sign an extra safety for Brian Flores’ secondary.
The world seems to believe that the Vikings need some help at safety, and Bleacher Reports knows a guy.
SI.com recently endorsed four-time All-Pro safety Justin Simmons for the Vikings, a free-agent move that wouldn’t necessarily disappoint fans.
Bleacher Report also has a recommendation for Kevin O’Connell’s squad — signing safety John Johnson.
Bleacher Report Recommends John Johnson for Vikings
BR’s Moe Moton published an article last week, detailing one move each NFL team should make with summer operations underway. For the Vikings, Johnson got the nod as a possible free-agent addition.
Moton explained, “At safety, the Vikings have Harrison Smith and Josh Metellus in starting spots and not much behind them. Fourth-year veteran Theo Jackson and third-year pro Jay Ward have played 285 career defensive snaps combined.”
“Johnson has experience at both safety positions, and he can also take on assignments in the slot. Last September, he suffered a hairline fracture in his scapula. Now healthy, the 29-year-old can fill multiple roles.”
Many NFL pundits also surmised that Minnesota would pick a safety early in the draft six weeks ago, but general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah swerved by choosing Ohio State offensive guard Donovan Jackson instead.
Who’s John Johnson?
Johnson is a 29-year-old safety with eight years of NFL experience. Injuries derailed his 2024 campaign in Los Angeles, but on the whole, the man has played 109 games.
Here’s his destination resume:
- Los Angeles Rams (2017–2020)
- Cleveland Browns (2021–2022)
- Los Angeles Rams (2023–2024)
Johnson turned pro the same day that the Vikings drafted Dalvin Cook in 2017.
This is the Johnson Pro Football Focus skinny:
- 2024: 91.9 (limited snaps)
- 2023: 58.4
- 2022: 62.8
- 2021: 68.7
- 2020: 85.3
- 2019: 53.5
- 2018: 83.6
- 2017: 81.5
And his passer rating against:
- 2024: 42.7 (limited snaps)
- 2023: 81.1
- 2022: 82.8
- 2021: 70.1
- 2020: 73.2
- 2019: 77.1
- 2018: 81.8
At this late stage of free agency, Johnson’s soon-to-be contract with some team will be affordable.
The Kevin O’Connell Crossover
Johnson actually drips with ties to Vikings leadership. While he played defense for the 2020 Rams, Kevin O’Connell offensively coordinated Jared Goff and friends. O’Connell should know Johnson quite well.
Then, Johnson split for Cleveland right before the Rams won the Super Bowl, and guess who worked in the Browns’ front office in 2021? Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
More than any team in the league, besides the Rams, the Vikings’ brass should be familiar with Johnson’s tool kit.
Vikings Probably Set at Safety
The kicker, though, is that Minnesota probably doesn’t need another safety. Camryn Bynum left for the Indianapolis Colts in March, but Minnesota promoted Theo Jackson to a starter’s role and also showcases Harrison Smith and Josh Metellus.
Jay Ward, as well, is looking for a way to wiggle onto the field on Sundays.
Signing Johnson or Justin Simmons might boil down to summer injuries, which everyone would like to avoid.
BR’s Recommendations for Former Vikings
Moton also urged the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to sign former Vikings guard Dalton Risner.
He wrote, “In five seasons, Ben Bredeson has played for three teams. He’s a replaceable left guard. Tampa Bay can find an upgrade on the interior to strengthen its offensive line. Risner is one of the better pass-blocking guards in the league.”
“According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed just one quarterback hit and zero sacks while on the field for 345 pass-blocking snaps last season. He would be a solid bodyguard for Baker Mayfield, who threw the fifth-most passes last year.”
And for ex-Vikings cornerback, Shaquill Griffin, Moton picked the Miami Dolphins: “According to NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe, the Dolphins will part ways with cornerback Jalen Ramsey. If that happens, Miami would have a glaring need in the secondary. Storm Duck and Cam Smith are the top two boundary cornerbacks behind Ramsey on the roster. In 2024, Duck appeared in 14 games, started in three, and allowed a 100.2 passer rating in coverage. Smith has yet to log an NFL start.”
“Griffin can fill a void in the Dolphins’ pass coverage. Last year, he allowed a 75.8 passer rating while only giving up two touchdowns in a rotational role with the Minnesota Vikings. He would be Miami’s top cornerback, assuming the team moves on from Ramsey.”
John Johnson will turn 30 in December.
You must be logged in to post a comment.