Minnesota Vikings Cut Depth Cornerback and Former Trade Acquisition

The Minnesota Vikings have had an incredibly active offseason. Of course that was expected, given the amount of money they had within the salary cap and lack of draft capital for later this month. For the most part, the Vikings’ free agent spending spree has been widely praised, though there are some doubters out there.

Defense was certainly a focal point during the initial rush of free agency. Third year DC Brian Flores was able to work with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to bring back key secondary figures from 2024, including Byron Murphy Jr and Harrison Smith.

They also signed lots of new blood, like Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave on the interior DL and a familiar linebacker, Eric Wilson, for additional depth in that room. Minnesota also added in the secondary, with CB Isaiah Rodgers,

Minnesota Vikings release cornerback Nahshon Wright

Cornerback is still a position of need that we can absolutely expect Kwesi & Co to address in the upcoming NFL Draft. Even so, their 2025 secondary did not have enough room for 2024 cornerback, Nahshon Wright, who the Minnesota Vikings landed in exchange for sending failed 2022 draft pick Andrew Booth Jr to Dallas during last preseason. On Monday, the Vikings announced that they have released Wright.

Vikings release CB Nahshon Wright, who was acquired via trade with Cowboyshttps://t.co/nMjKvaBy9d pic.twitter.com/IK2pOoIp6q

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) April 7, 2025

Nahshon Wright was a 3rd round pick by the Cowboys in 2021, and like Booth Jr., had fallen out of favor with the team that drafted him. During his three seasons in Dallas, Wright played in 32 games and made three starts.

He recorded his first (and only) NFL interception in 2022. With Minnesota this season, Wright played in just a single game where he recorded 15 snaps on special teams against the Arizona Cardinals.

Wright will be 27 years old in 2025 and now, he’s looking for a new employer. The former Oregon State Beaver intercepted five passes in college, while collecting 64 tackles and defending 6 total passes.

Cornerback depth still a need for Vikings

It’s fine that the Vikings didn’t feel a need to keep Wright around. Similar to Booth Jr., it’s good to know when it becomes time to cut ties. The cornerback room for Brian Flores remains uncertain. Of course Murphy Jr. and Rodgers are capable starters, but they don’t have a clear third.

Mekhi Blackmon will return in 2025 after suffering a season ending injury during training camp. He was in line for increased reps, but has just 15 games (three starts) at the NFL level. Dwight McGlothern was an intriguing undrafted talent, and played in five games last year, but starting would be a substantial leap.

Related: Vikings Getting Cocky About Their Medical Staff

Jeff Okudah signed recently and could get some run, but the former third overall pick has five years of lackluster results at the NFL level. He has never played a full season, and started more than nine games just once. It stands to reason that cornerback is not a position Minnesota is set with the current group.

They currently hold the 24th overall pick in this month’s NFL Draft. It’s possible that they find a starting caliber option still on the board when their name is called.