Vikings Defensive Free Agents: Who Should Stay and Who Should Go?
Previously, I wrote about the Vikings’ offensive free agents and put forward the question of who should stay and who should go. Now I’m looking at the other side of the ball and giving my opinion on the Vikings’ defensive free agents.
Vikings Defensive Free Agents: Who Should Stay and Whi Should Go?
The Vikings have 12 pending free agents on defense, including six who were regular starters in 2024. There is potential for many turnovers, and the waters are muddied even further as defensive coordinator Brian Flores is being interviewed for head coaching positions. Whoever runs the defense, the Vikings need another injection of talent like they got last year with Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Blake Cashman.
Safeties
Harrison Smith should eventually go into the Hall of Fame when the time comes. After 13 seasons as a Viking retirement is on the verge of retirement. If Smith wants one more season it shouldn’t be anywhere other than Minnesota, he was still a reliable presence in the secondary in 2024. One of the big offseason decisions in Minnesota is the future of Camryn Bynum. A fourth-round pick by the Vikings in 2021, Bynum has been an ever-present starter since Kevin O’Connell became the Vikings head coach in 2022.
The question mark on his return will be the price. Pro Football Focus forecasts Bynum signing a deal in the region of $14 million a year. That’s a hefty price and the Vikings have a lot of areas arguably more important than safety to improve. With Josh Metellus on the books and possibly Smith returning for one more year Minnesota might look for a cheaper option. One such option is retaining the services of Theo Jackson, who has performed well for the Vikings in an in-depth role — a 79.2 overall grade from PFF in 2024.
Verdict: If Smith wants to play one more year, work out a deal. Sign Theo Jackson to a one-year deal and let Bynum test free agency. If the price is $14 million, move to a cheaper alternative.
Cornerbacks
Only undrafted rookie Dwight McGlothern remains under contract from the Vikings cornerbacks that played in 2024 — the Vikings should also get back Mekhi Blackmon, who missed the entire season due to a torn ACL. Byron Murphy had the best season of his career in 2024, including six interceptions. Minnesota needs to get better at cornerback, and the first step is bringing back the best one they had last year, who has the versatility to lineup both on the outside and in the slot.
Stephon Gilmore proved a good last-minute addition to the Vikings roster. The former defensive player of the year will be 35 by the time the season rolls around, and there have already been talks of possible retirement. Shaq Griffin and Fabian Moreau were also new additions to the Vikings’ secondary in 2024. Griffin saw a decent amount of playing time and snagged a couple of interceptions. He would be a good player to bring back and set the standard at training for young CBs to compete against. Moreau didn’t see much playing time, and I wouldn’t rush to bring him back for another year.
Verdict: Sign Murphy to a multi-year deal in the region of $15 million annually. Sign Griffin to a cheap one-year deal and allow Gilmore and Moreau to leave.
Defensive Front
Kamu Grugier-Hill was brought in as the backup linebacker, and he filled in well early in the season when Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace missed games due to injuries. Grugier-Hill’s effectiveness waned as the season went on, and the Vikings may be well served in looking for an alternative.
Patrick Jones had a career year, with seven sacks, as the other edge rusher, along with Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel. The Vikings invested heavily in drafting Dallas Turner in the first round last year, and it’s time to let him step into the role as the third edge rusher and let Jones walk.
The Vikings need to vastly improve the interior of their defensive line and have decisions to make about three players who played there in 2024. Given that, it is unlikely that all three — Jihad Ward, Jerry Tillery, and Jonathan Bullard — will be back. Bullard has been solid in run defense but does not offer much as a pass rusher, while Tillery and Ward are more pass-rush specialists.
Verdict: it’s time for a defensive overhaul in Minnesota, so let all five of Bullard, Tillery, Ward, Grugier-Hill, and Jones leave.
Vikings Coach Could Be Stolen by Bears
You must be logged in to post a comment.