As the Minnesota Vikings gear up for training camp, all eyes are on their shaky cornerback situation, a glaring weak spot in an otherwise promising roster. General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has worked wonders since the new league year began, fortifying the offensive and defensive lines with savvy moves. However, the secondary remains a question mark, leaving defensive guru Brian Flores with a patchwork group to mold into a cohesive unit.
According to Judd Zulgad of the Purple Daily Podcast, former No. 3 overall pick Jeff Okudah was spotted running with the first-team defense in the nickel spot during minicamp. For Okudah, now on his fourth team in as many years, this is a golden opportunity to secure a spot on Minnesota’s 53-man roster. However, his underwhelming 2023 season with the Atlanta Falcons—where he posted a dismal 46.0 PFF coverage grade—raises red flags about the Vikings’ depth at cornerback.
The Vikings’ current cornerback room is a mix of unproven talent and journeymen. Byron Murphy Jr., recently re-signed, stands as the lone proven commodity. Beyond him, the options are thin:
Mekhi Blackmon, sidelined for all of 2024 on injured reserve.
Isaiah Rodgers, a backup for the Super Bowl-winning Eagles in 2024.
Jeff Okudah, limited to just six games last year with Houston due to injuries.
Dwight McGlothern and Zemaiah Vaughn, undrafted rookies who Zulgad believes could sneak onto the initial roster.
Ambry Thomas and Tavierre Thomas, veterans fighting for depth roles or special teams contributions.
Given this uncertainty, it’s surprising Minnesota didn’t bolster the secondary during April’s draft, instead focusing on supporting rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy. But CBS Sports analyst Cody Benjamin predicts a blockbuster move is on the horizon: a trade with the Cleveland Browns for cornerback Greg Newsome II.
Why Newsome Makes Sense
At just 25, Newsome, a former first-round pick out of Northwestern, brings youth and upside to a Vikings secondary desperate for stability. Adofo-Mensah, who was part of Cleveland’s front office when they drafted Newsome in 2021, knows the player’s potential well. Despite a reduced role in 2024—starting only three games under Jim Schwartz in Cleveland—Newsome’s athleticism and versatility could thrive in Flores’ aggressive scheme.
The catch? Newsome’s $13.7 million fully guaranteed fifth-year option in 2025 is a hefty price tag for a Vikings team that went on a spending spree in free agency. While Adofo-Mensah can maneuver the salary cap with ease, ownership—led by the Wilf family, known for their willingness to invest in a championship—may hesitate to commit to such a costly acquisition, especially with Newsome hitting free agency in 2026.
Cheaper Alternatives or a Bold Swing?
The Vikings could opt for more budget-friendly veterans like Stephon Gilmore, Rasul Douglas, or Asante Samuel Jr., especially after the Seattle Seahawks snagged Shaq Griffin. These options might offer similar production without the financial gamble. Still, Newsome’s youth and familiarity with Adofo-Mensah’s vision make him an intriguing target for a team aiming to contend now.
As training camp looms in early August, the Vikings’ next move will signal their confidence—or lack thereof—in their current cornerback group. Will they roll the dice on unproven talent like Blackmon and Rodgers, or make a splash by “stealing” Newsome from Cleveland? One thing’s certain: Minnesota’s defense needs a spark, and the clock is ticking.