In a surprising offseason move, the Minnesota Vikings have parted ways with one of their top 2025 free agents, safety Camryn Bynum, who has signed with the Indianapolis Colts. The decision has left a gap in Minnesota’s safety room, and the team has chosen not to immediately replace Bynum through free agency or the draft, sparking speculation about their next move.
As it stands, the Vikings will rely on veteran Harrison Smith and the versatile Josh Metellus to anchor the safety position. However, the competition for the No. 3 spot is heating up, with special teams standout Theo Jackson and 2023 fourth-round pick Jay Ward vying for increased roles. Last season, safeties Smith, Bynum, and Metellus were among the team’s top four defensive players in total snaps, highlighting the critical need for depth in Brian Flores’ aggressive defensive scheme.
Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano believes the Vikings won’t stand pat at safety for long. He predicts Minnesota will make a splash by signing veteran free agent Justin Simmons, a former 4-time All-Pro safety from the Denver Broncos who spent the 2024 season with the Atlanta Falcons. “The Vikings could use another safety with Camryn Bynum now with the Indianapolis Colts and Harrison Smith possibly needing to play less in his 14th season,” Manzano noted. “Simmons, 31, who had a quality lone season with the Atlanta Falcons, can help form a productive safety rotation in Minnesota with Smith, Theo Jackson, and Josh Metellus.”
Simmons, who earned three consecutive Pro Bowl nods from 2021 to 2023, brings elite coverage skills that align perfectly with Flores’ system, which demands strong play from the secondary. While Simmons has expressed interest in reuniting with former head coach Vic Fangio and the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota presents a compelling case. The Vikings have a clear need at defensive back, but GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah prioritized bolstering the trenches in free agency and faced limitations in the 2025 draft due to a lack of draft capital.
The Vikings could also explore adding a cornerback, with veterans like Stephon Gilmore and Shaw Griffin still available. However, Simmons, now entering his age-32 season, could be the ideal addition if he’s open to a cost-effective, one-year deal to join a potential Super Bowl contender. Simmons has never been a role player, having started 16 games for the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, but a move to Minnesota could solidify their secondary and elevate their defense.
With training camp approaching, the Vikings’ decision to move on from Bynum and potentially bring in a proven veteran like Simmons signals their intent to fine-tune a roster built for a deep playoff run. Keep an eye on Minnesota as they look to finalize their defensive backfield.