The Minnesota Vikings have been big players in this year’s free agency, with many big signings that have made them one of the big spenders across the league. When a team is constructing its roster, not every addition will be a big-name, big-money player. That brings us to one of the new faces in Minnesota, as the Vikings signed special teams ace Tavierre Thomas.
Vikings Sign Special Teams Ace
Thomas is a cornerback by trade and started 19 games over three seasons with the Cleveland Browns, then had a spell with the Houston Texans before heading down to Florida to sign for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In Tampa, he was used almost exclusively on special teams, where he notched up 14 tackles in 17 games and posted a 90.5 grade via Pro Football Focus for his performance on all four phases of special teams — making him one of the stand-out performers of the 2024 season in that phase of the game.
Thomas is an essential addition to the Vikings roster as Minnesota lost one of their core special teamers in free agency — Trent Sherfield. The Denver Broncos committed to a 2-year, $8 million contract to secure Sherfield’s services – something the Vikings would never have been likely to match. Instead, they sought out Thomas and signed him to a one-year contract – the contract terms have not yet been released.
Speaking at his contract signing, Thomas promised fans he would always be at full speed and do whatever he had to do to get the job done. Those of a purple persuasion can expect to see that type of player on Sundays. The veteran also hinted at the reputation of the Vikings coaches and all that is available to Vikings players at the team’s high-class facility, which is a big reason why he chose to come to Minnesota.
Special Teams Improvement
When Kevin O’Connell was appointed head coach in Minnesota back in 2022, he brought Matt Daniels in as his special teams coordinator. As a young, inexperienced coach, it was an interesting decision, but one O’Connell and the Vikings have stuck by through some inconsistent performance. It’s an area the Vikings need to improve in 2025, and Thomas should certainly help with that.
As will the signing of Eric Wilson, who returns to Minnesota after four seasons away, which included stints at the Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans, and Green Bay Packers. Wilson spent the first four seasons of his career as a Viking after being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2017. The linebacker played 64 games, including 25 starts, before leaving. Wilson returns at age 30 an improved player than the one that left and will add much-needed depth at linebacker as well as special teams nous.
They won’t make the headlines, but solid additions to a roster depth and good special teams players can separate the teams at the top.
