Vikings Linked to Chiefs Cornerback in Free Agency
The Minnesota Vikings featured a pretty scanty cornerback room in 2025, consisting of Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, Jeff Okudah, and Fabian Moreau, getting away with it as Brian Flores’s group finished the season ranked No. 3 in defensive efficiency. Now, with free agency 26 days away, CBS Sports‘ Ryan Wilson believes the group could add another prominent name: Kansas City Chiefs corner Jaylen Watson.
Watson fits the Vikings’ free-agent radar as Flores seeks steadier cornerback play in 2026.
Watson will hit the open market in March if the Chiefs don’t re-sign him, and there’s a small chance that Minnesota takes the plunge.
Jaylen Watson Could Fit Brian Flores’ Cornerback Blueprint
After the Vikings clear cap space, defensive backs could be in their purview for free agency.
Ryan Wilson: Watch for Vikings in Jaylen Watson Sweepstakes
Wilson took to CBS Sports airwaves this week, outlining ideal landing spots for some of the league’s top free agents.
For Watson, he said, “I love the idea of Brian Flores getting his hands on Jaylen Watson in Minnesota. There will be competition, and that will only drive his price up.”
Kansas City drafted Watson in 2022 from Round 7, and he’s blossomed into a true success story. Money is tight, though, for the Chiefs, and they may not have that cash to offer him a second contract.
The Stats for Watson
Playing for the Chiefs in four seasons, Watson has accrued 53 games while starting 29. In 2025, he became a full-time starter, logging 15 inside Kansas City’s first down year in eons. Here’s Watson’s passer-rating-against resume:
2025: 79.0
2024: 75.4
2023: 103.6
2022: 103.9
The man also played 868 snaps in 2025, the mark of a dependable defender. He’s also tall at 6’2″ and 200 pounds.
Watson’s Pro Football Focus history:
2025: 74.1
2024: 69.6
2023: 68.5
2022: 61.2
Chiefs analysts don’t expect Watson back in 2026. Arrowhead Addict‘s Braden Holecek opined last week, “Like many defensive backs, the Chiefs are unlikely to offer Watson a second contract. He has been a valuable asset to their defense, but with several other roster holes, limited salary cap space, and a history of addressing the cornerback position through smaller moves, it’s likely that Watson will be paid handsomely elsewhere.”
“Of course, that could change depending on the team’s approach to Trent McDuffie’s future. There should be a healthy mix of contenders and rebuilding teams showing interest in Watson.”
The Contractual Price
If the Vikings are interested in Watson — many teams will pursue him — the price is right between affordable and expensive.
Spotrac projects his next contract to pull down $12.5 million per year, meaning a deal for three years and $38 million likely awaits him on the open market. Per the statistics mentioned above, Minnesota or any other team would get a true bang for their buck.
For now, the Vikings’ salary cap situation is messy, starting the offseason about $40 million in the red. Once they release a few players and restructure some veterans’ contracts, players like Watson can become fair game.
Watson’s isn’t as young as one might expect for a 2022 draftee; he’ll turn 28 in the fall.
Los Angeles Rams-themed media seems to believe Watson could end up on Sean McVay’s team. Turf Show Times‘ Evan Craig wrote last week, “Watson will be a hot commodity in free agency this offseason and is likely to sign a rich deal with whichever team is interested. He has undoubtedly priced himself out of K.C., who probably won’t miss him much, given their recent history of replacing important pieces at CB without skipping a beat.”
“If Matthew Stafford does return in 2026, the Rams’ front office must do everything possible to maximize the roster around him. Los Angeles hasn’t quite made a blockbuster move to put the team over the top in several seasons. Now is the time to (reasonably) break the bank and take advantage of the rest of Stafford’s career.”
The Rams fell one step short of the Super Bowl last season, losing to the eventual champion Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship.
Craig concluded, “Adding Watson to the mix would be essential to the defense, as the cornerback position has been a problem area for years. The Chiefs’ retooling this offseason could be a godsend for the Rams if they opt not to re-sign the Washington State product.”
Alternatives if Not Watson
Suppose the Vikings wish to add another cornerback, but Watson doesn’t tickle their fancy. Several alternatives will be available, whether in free agency or the draft. The list might look like this:
- Montaric Brown (JAX)
- Brandon Cisse (Rookie, South Carolina)
- Mansoor Delane (Rookie, LSU)
- Cordale Flott (NYG)
- Colton Hood (Rookie, Tennessee)
- Jermod McCoy (Rookie, Tennessee)
- Greg Newsome II (JAX)
- Alontae Taylor (NO)
- Aveion Terrell (Rookie, Clemson)
- Tariq Woolen (SEA)
That list represents players who could reasonably start Week 1 alongside Murphy Jr. and Rodgers.
Watson is most known for size and length, which could fit in well inside Flores’s defense.
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