Minnesota Vikings Land More Young Talent on Defense

The Minnesota Vikings have been incredibly busy during free agency, thus far. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has focused on building up both the offensive and defensive lines.

They’ve also solidified their offensive and defensive backfields by re-signing Byron Murphy Jr., Harrison Smith and Aaron Jones, while also snagging additional talent for both, in RB Jordan Mason and CB Isaiah Rodgers.

But still, defensive coordinator Brian Flores was in need of more cornerback help between now and training camp, after losing two of his starting three CBs from last season. Mekhi Blackmon is returning from a season-ending injury and Dwight McGlothern is still considered a raw NFL talent.

Minnesota Vikings sign Jeff Okudah

All of the moving and grooving in the secondary early this offseason left room (and a need) for another move in the secondary, something we saw come to fruition on Tuesday morning when it was announced that former top 3 overall draft pick, Jeff Okudah, was signing with the Minnesota Vikings, after completing a successful overnight visit in Eagan that started on Monday.

Vikings and CB Jeff Okudah reached agreement today on a one-year contract, per @UniSportsMgmt CEO Kevin Conner. The 26-year-old Okudah had multiple options, but chose to return to the NFC North, this time with the Vikings to play for DC Brian Flores. pic.twitter.com/Kpio0LeWa7

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2025

Jeff Okudah was taken third overall by the Detroit Lions in the 2020 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, his time as a Lion did not go as projected for the Ohio State Buckeye, who played just 25 games (22 starts) across three full seasons, while struggling with injuries and high expectations.

Okudah has been out of the division the past two years, spending time in both Atlanta and Houston, but his injury issues followed him south from Detroit. In 2023, with the Falcons, Jeff Okudah played 13 games, missing 5 games due to an ankle injury. In 2024, year with the Texans, he missed nine games with a hip injury.

The MN Vikings bringing in Okudah likely won’t stop them from targeting another starting caliber player at the position, whether that’s via free agency, the draft or trade. Betting on Okudah to play starting-caliber snaps is not a good investment plan.

The Texans wanted to use CB Jeff Okudah as their slot CB in press man

Unfortunately he had one of those reps that breaks the coaches trust

In press man CB’s are supposed to hold inside leverage no matter what, Okudah instantly gives it up biting on an outside foot jab pic.twitter.com/SzDIIBGOaC

— Drew (@IndepthTexans) November 21, 2024

In his six games (0 starts) last season with Houston, Okudah recorded just nine total tackles and a single pass defensed. The former Buckeye star hasn’t picked off a pass since 2022, and has just a pair of them over the course of his 5-year NFL career.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Free Agency Signings – 2025

It’s likely that Minnesota sees Okudah as a decent buy-low candidate that they may wind up getting something out of. The depth at the position was all but depleted after 2024 and building that up for 2025 had to be a focal point.

On just a one-year deal, Okudah is hoping the Minnesota Vikings can provide the type of bounce back landing spot they have for other one-and-done former stand-out talents who have hit a low-point in their careers. Guys like bust QB turned MVP candidate, Sam Darnold and over-the-hill running back (at the time), Aaron Jones. Both guys saw their free agency value increase significantly, following their one-and-done season in purple.

Cornerback room taking shape for MN Vikings

As things stand now Mekhi Blackmon would start for the Vikings alongside Isaiah Rodgers and Byron Murphy Jr. That’s probably not where Brian Flores wants the position to be. Okudah can bring some depth and push for starting time. He won’t rule out Minnesota using an early draft pick on a potential starter.

Right now the Vikings have the 24th overall pick in April’s NFL Draft. They picked up a third round compensatory selection thanks to Kirk Cousins. It’s possible that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah trades back and looks to generate additional draft capital. If he sticks and picks, then cornerback in the first round makes sense.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Fail to Find Trade Partner for Former 1st Round Pick

The Vikings clearly have done a good amount of work to refill the funnel in the secondary, but they have to improve. Only Jacksonville, Baltimore, and Tampa Bay gave up more passing yards than the Vikings did last season.