This Is the Vikings’ Most Pressing Offseason Need

  |  
Jan 14, 2025

Welcome to the Minnesota Vikings’ 2025 offseason.

Vikings Offseason: This Is the Most Pressing Need

The event arrived too fast, thanks to a one-and-done playoff loss by Minnesota. The Los Angeles Rams clobbered the Vikings on Monday Night Football in the Wildcard Round, and that was a wrap.

So, the offseason is here, even if fans weren’t quite prepared for it. And above all else, Minnesota needs a cornerback or two this offseason, qualifying as the most important offseason need.

Here’s why.

The 2025 Slate of CBs

Breakout Player
Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.

As of January 14th, Minnesota is scheduled to have these cornerbacks under contract in 2025:

  • Mekhi Blackmon
  • Dwight McGlothern
  • NaJee Thompson

Of course, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah could re-sign Pro Bowler Byron Murphy, easing a lot of the pain from the most pressing need category.

But the lesson? The Vikings need Murphy back in the saddle, plus another keynote CB contributor. Simply signing Murphy and calling it good probably won’t work in today’s NFL.

It’s unclear if Stephon Gilmore or Shaquill Griffin — free agents to be — would represent a year-to-year fix.

The Possible Free Agents

Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images.

Free agency is two months away.

These men will be available if they don’t re-sign with their current clubs:

  • D.J. Reed
  • Paulson Adebo
  • Rasul Douglas
  • Charvarius Ward
  • Asante Samuel

Minnesota is on tap to spend over $70 million, so all free-agent options are game.

The NFL Draft

Notre Dame CB Benjamin Morrison (20) walks with his team during warm-ups before an NCAA college football game between Notre Dame and Northern Illinois at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in South Bend. © Michael Clubb / USA TODAY NETWORK.

Thereafter, the Vikings will pick 24th in the draft. If they stay in that spot or trade back into Round 2, these options can satisfy the CB need:

  • Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame)
  • Shavon Revel Jr. (East Carolina)
  • Jahdae Barron (Texas)
  • Trey Amos (Ole Miss)

It’s worth noting that the Vikings are overdue to draft a productive corner. The last was Trae Waynes — 10 years ago. The franchise has swung and missed at cornerback in the draft since.

Honorable “Most Pressing Need” Mentions

Vikings Offseason
Minnesota center Garrett Bradbury (56) protects his quarterback during a play against the Detroit Lions defense at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024. © David Rodriguez Munoz / USA TODAY NETWORK.

Finally, if Minnesota disagrees that cornerback is the most pressing need, these roster spots will need love:

  • Defensive Tackle
  • Center
  • Offensive Guard

The organization exists in a favorable spot with ample cap space, plus a quarterback on an affordable deal waiting to take over, but per usual, the roster will need maintenance in the next four months, and it all starts at cornerback.

Career for Beloved Viking Could Be Over
Also Read:
Career for Beloved Viking Could Be Over

Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL. 

All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.