Vikings Add Another CB
In three days, the Minnesota Vikings have added Ryan Kelly (C), Will Fries (G), Jonathan Allen (DT), Javon Hargrave (DT), and Isaiah Rodgers (CB) from free agency. The team also re-signed Pro Bowl cornerback Byron Murphy Jr.
Vikings Add Another CB
And on Wednesday, the Vikings announced the free-agent acquisition of nickel cornerback Tavierre Thomas.
Thomas is a Viking.
The Vikings’ main social media account tweeted, “Adding more pieces. The Vikings have agreed to terms with DB Tavierre Thomas.”
The move surprised onlookers because no source had reported on the transaction before the tweet. Usually during free agency, a player, agent, or reporter learns of a new signing, and the Vikings confirm it soon after. Not this time — the Vikings personally announced the deal.
Here’s Thomas’ NFL resume to date:
- Arizona Cardinals (2018)
- Cleveland Browns (2018–2020)
- Houston Texans (2021–2023)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2024)
- Minnesota Vikings (2025)
Fans should perceive Thomas as a special teams addition after wide receiver Trent Sherfield joined the Denver Broncos on Tuesday. Of course, Thomas might earn some defensive snaps, but outwardly, the move resembles a Sherfield replacement.
This is Thomas’ Pro Football Focus resume through seven seasons:
2024: 44.8 (Limited Snaps)
2023: 72.2
2022: 70.0
2021: 77.6
2020: 50.2
2019: 61.3
2018: 57.8
Thomas worked for the Browns while Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was employed in that front office, which might explain the connection. He can also return kicks — possibly punts if Brandon Powell doesn’t return via free agency.
The 29-year-old played extensively on defense with the Houston Texans from 2021 to 2023, only to see his role diminish with the Buccaneers in 2024. He played just 45 defensive snaps for Tampa Bay last year while transforming into their primary special teams asset.
These are the Vikings’ cornerbacks after the Thomas move:
- Byron Murphy Jr.
- Isaiah Rodgers
- Mekhi Blackmon
- Dwight McGlothern
- NaJee Thompson
- Tavierre Thomas
- Reddy Steward
- Kahlef Hailassie
- Nahshon Wright
- Ambry Thomas
It’s worth noting that Thomas could also play safety in a pinch.
If Minnesota also wants an additional corner from the draft, rookies like Jahdae Barron (Texas), Shavon Revel Jr. (East Carolina), and Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame) could be options. On the open free-agent market, players like Rasul Douglas, Mike Hilton, and Asante Samuel Jr. remain available.
Thomas is 5’10” and 205 pounds. He turned 29 on Tuesday.
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.
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