Vikings Have an Annoying Newcomer
NFL fans want their cornerbacks to be “annoying.” It means they’re doing their job.
One new Vikings defender has been branded as “annoying” — in the best way possible.
And that just so happens to be the case for cornerback Jeff Okudah, who signed with the Vikings in March via free agency.
The early return for the summer indicates that Okudah is “annoying” on the field, and the source is pretty damn reliable — Justin Jefferson.
Jeff Okudah Is … Annoying. Per Justin Jefferson.
Via Vikings.com, Jefferson said with a smile last week about Okudah, “He has that speed, and he has that ability to really play-make and just be an annoying cornerback. That’s what I like to call those types of corners, ‘annoying cornerbacks,’ because they know how to be physical. They know how to get you off your route and not be able to have free access.”
Jefferson was also asked if he and Okudah had engaged in on-the-field banter in previous seasons. Jefferson replied, “Nah, receivers and cornerbacks, we will never talk about those types of things. We just let it go. Now he’s on our side, so we’re good.”
Lindsey Young from Vikings.com added, “The Vikings signed two veteran cornerbacks in free agency in Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah, and Jefferson has appreciated the opportunity to go against two defenders in practice he’s previously seen in games.”
“He’s especially familiar with Okudah, who was drafted by Detroit the same year (2020) — and same round (first) — Minnesota tabbed Jefferson out of LSU. Though Okudah did miss some time due to injury during his three seasons with the Lions, Jefferson knows how Detroit’s secondary plays and just how aggressive Okudah can be.”
Okudah Must Parlay the Trait into Productivity
For Okudah, annoying is the way to be. The former third overall pick from the 2020 draft has never quite brought to life his handsome draft stock, bouncing around the NFL after flaming out in Detroit.
If Jefferson thinks he’s annoying, well, now is the time to transfer that trait to other wide receivers on Sunday and perhaps stay attached to the Vikings’ depth chart for the long haul.
In fact, regarding Okudah, one might ask about his career trajectory: “If not now … when?”
Where Might Jeff Okudah Live on the Depth Chart?
Okudah has a couple of men ahead of him on the active depth chart, mainly Byron Murphy Jr. and probably fellow newcomer Isaiah Rodgers. Murphy Jr. reached a Pro Bowl in 2024, and he’s the unabashed CB1. Then, Minnesota signed Rodgers as its first free-agent addition of the offseason, and a CB2 job awaits.
But at CB3 and CB4 is where Okudah can lurk. He’s in a summer roster territory with Mekhi Blackmon and Dwight McGlothern. Okudah is nearly certain to make the 53-man roster at the end of August, but it will be up to him to determine if he’s the CB3, CB4, or CB5.
A Last Chance at Long-Term Relevance
It’s worth noting that this season is probably Okudah’s last-ditch effort to establish himself as a productive cornerback. He missed 11 games due to injury in 2024 with the Texans, playing just 77 defensive snaps — or less than 10%.
Okudah doesn’t have a clear path to start in Minnesota, yet he must make a dent in Brian Flores’ defense or risk non-relevance in 2026 and beyond.
The Vikings don’t possess an otherworldly cornerback bunch, and this spot may be perfect for Okudah to splash.
Other Okudah Takes
When Okudah joined the Vikings in March, VikingsWire‘s Andrew Harbaugh added some context to his biography: “Okudah, who was an All-American when he left Ohio State for the NFL, has been with three NFL teams in his career. After the Lions decided to move on from him in 2022, he would join the Atlanta Falcons and Houston Texans on one-year deals.”
“Those stops didn’t work out for Okudah, and perhaps now he finds his fourth home in as many years. Okudah will not be expected to play a meaningful role right away for the Vikings but as we saw last year with Brian Flores, he will put you in a position to make plays as a defensive back. Okudah was the third overall pick for a reason, meaning the talent is there.”
Okudah also has age on his side. He turned 26 this offseason.
Harbaugh concluded, “Perhaps Flores is the one to finally get the juice out of the former Buckeye that everyone thought was possible. At the very least, Okudah is a fun depth piece with little risk and decent potential of some reward.”
Okudah, Jefferson, and the Vikings finish up organized team activities (OTAs) this week and have a five-week break before training camp.
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