Latest Vikings Rumors: Eye-Popping Trade Idea and 2 Notable Names
Minnesota Vikings training camp begins in less than three weeks, but in the meantime, we have rumors.
The latest Vikings rumors swirl around a trade idea, Ohio State rookie Donovan Jackson, and veteran corner Rasul Douglas. Here’s the Sunday rumor mill.
VikingsTerritory logs rumors each weekend, so consider this the Sunday batch for the first week of July. Yesterday’s rumor mill can be read here.
Vikings Rumors for Sunday, July 6th
It’s all about Greg Newsome II, Donovan Jackson, and Rasul Douglas.
Rumor: The Vikings could finagle a trade for Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II.
Greg Newsome II has actually been casually linked to the Vikings a few times this offseason. Cleveland may not have the cap space to extend his contract beyond 2025.
CBS Sports came up with the Newsome II angle this week, as Cody Benjamin wrote, “Why it makes sense: Minnesota spent big to address both trenches this offseason, but the one non-quarterback spot that lacks top-end answers is the secondary, now sans veteran starters like Stephon Gilmore and Camryn Bynum.”
“Forward-thinking general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was in the Browns’ front office when Cleveland spent a first-rounder on Newsome in 2021, and at just 25, the former Northwestern standout has the upside to become a longer-term option for Brian Flores’ defense.”
Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah worked in the Browns’ front office when Cleveland drafted Newsome II in 2021.
“Why would the Browns give up such a young chess piece? Despite his draft reputation, Newsome managed just three starts in Jim Schwartz’s unit in 2024, and he’s headed into a contract year,” Benjamin concluded.
This rumor really makes sense for the Vikings and should be monitored all the way up to the November trade deadline.
Rumor: Donovan Jackson is on a firm track to start Week 1.
Minnesota pulled Jackson out of Round 1 in April, and refreshingly, he’s on pace to start away. A Lewis Cine situation may be avoided.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert wrote this week, “It’s difficult for an offensive lineman to stand out in no-contact practices, so the most important development for Jackson is that he worked with the first team at left guard for the majority of spring practices. Part of that can be attributed to right guard Will Fries’ ongoing recovery from a fractured right leg.”
“Blake Brandel, last season’s starter at left guard and Jackson’s primary competition at that position, has filled in for Fries on the right side. But there is every reason to believe Jackson has the inside track to emerge from training camp.”
It’s not necessarily breaking news, but fans should pencil in Jackson as an immediate starter. It might be weird if he didn’t, based on his post-draft momentum,
Rumor: Rasul Douglas would make sense as a free-agent signing for the Vikings’ secondary.
Fans debate whether the Vikings need another starting-caliber cornerback. It’s the only perceived weak spot on the depth chart.
National NFL media seems to agree because Bleacher Report recently did the honors, connecting cornerback Rasul Douglas as a free-agent fit for Minnesota.
BR’s Matt Holder noted: “Staying within the NFC North, the Vikings could use some help in their secondary after deciding not to bring Stephon Gilmore back. Jeff Okudah and Isaiah Rodgers are currently expected to start on the boundary, but those two were backups with the Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles, respectively, last season. Adding Douglas would upgrade the cornerback room in Minnesota.”
“However, he’s coming off one of the worst years of his career with no picks and just five pass breakups, which is tied for a personal low and the second-fewest of his career, respectively. The former Buffalo Bill also allowed a 123.7 passer rating when targeted and posted a 58.9 coverage grade last season, per Pro Football Focus. Combine that with his age, and it makes sense why Douglas is available.”
Douglas’ 2024 campaign didn’t go so well, but before that, he was a credible starter.
“Still, plenty of teams could use some help at cornerback and would benefit from at least bringing him into training camp,” Holder added.
Non-Douglas free-agent options at cornerback include Mike Hilton, Asante Samuel Jr., Stephon Gilmore, and Jack Jones.
You must be logged in to post a comment.