Obviously the Vikings have since addressed the wide receiver spot by adding Adam Thielen. They could afford to bring in another pass-catcher as well.

They have yet to address the cornerback position, and the roster currently has just four players at the position. It would seem shocking for them to begin the year that way, but Kwesi Adofo-Mensah doesn’t seem to be pressed about it.

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah content with Minnesota Vikings corners

Most teams typically roster five or more cornerbacks. The Vikings will start Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers. They also seem extremely high on former third-overall pick Jeff Okudah. Dwight McGlothern would then be the only non-starter, but KAM doesn’t see that as an issue.

Asked about the fact that there are only 4 cornerbacks on the active roster, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah notes that veteran Fabian Moreau is on the practice squad. Also notes the Vikings sometimes use "Big Nickel," with a safety rather than a cornerback.

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) August 28, 2025

Last season the Vikings employed Murphy Jr., Stephon Gilmore, and Shaq Griffin as starters. They had depth behind them as well. Recently they traded depth corner Mekhi Blackmon to Dallas, and they haven’t made a move to grab anyone to backfill his spot.

Gilmore remains a free agent, and despite initially signing with the Seahawks during the offseason, Griffin didn’t wind up making the roster. Either of them could presumably return in a straightforward transaction.

Related: Minnesota Vikings 2025 Practice Squad Tracker

As Adofo-Mensah mentions, veteran Fabian Moreau is also on the practice squad. Moreau is entering his ninth NFL season and has 113 games (56 starts) under his belt. Still, his overall ability leaves something to be desired.

MN Vikings could make a crazy addition

The Minnesota Vikings should have a talented defense this season under Brian Flores. They could take pressure off the secondary by improving an already incredible front seven. Dallas is now taking calls on Micah Parsons.

4/180M guarantee 112.5M

Parsons is 26, you’re adding the premier defensive player in the NFL.

And a new contract would be due around the time JJMC needs to get paid. https://t.co/krLcQMTn4M

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) August 28, 2025

No, Micah Parsons does not play cornerback. He does give Flores another weapon though, and using safeties in cornerback roles gets easier if the linebacker play is top-tier.

Parsons wants a new contract in Dallas and owner Jerry Jones has fumbled the process at every opportunity. His current cap hit comes in just over $25 million, and the Vikings have just over $26 million remaining in cap space. They could also extend the superstar, and that would soften the blow of trading draft capital.

Related: Vikings Update on Harrison Smith’s Mysterious Health Condition

Unfortunately for Minnesota, the Green Bay Packers jumped up and grabbed Parsons first. The paid the freight, and also handed him a new $188 million deal.

All three of Minnesota’s starting cornerbacks from Brian Flores’ defense last year hit the open market. Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin have not yet appeared to be priorities to retain. However, that wasn’t the case for Byron Murphy Jr.

Minnesota was able to work out a nice raise for Murphy Jr.. And, they did so in a way that continues to give them roster flexibility.

Byron Murphy Jr.’s deal works out well for Minnesota Vikings

Of course when a deal is first announced agents will always highlight the gaudy numbers of a contract. Byron Murphy Jr.’s three-year deal is worth $66 million, and that $22 million average would make him the third highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. But, that isn’t how they structured the deal.

Byron Murphy’s extension actually makes him the 14th highest paid CB at $18M AAV, not 3rd highest at $22M as initial reports suggested.

Structure is designed for him to play all 3 years of the deal, with void years in place to reduce cap hits in 2026 and 2027 pic.twitter.com/OWfGY4Hdya

— Krauser (@Krauserrific) March 11, 2025

As was the case with defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, Byron Murphy Jr.’s deal helps the Vikings cap flexibility out immensely. The construction of the deal includes void years that reduce cap hits in both 2026 and 2027. The outlay also translates to $18 million annually, which only ranks him 14th amongst cornerbacks. The details of this contract per overthecap.com.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Free Agency Signings – 2025

The total guaranteed money for Murphy Jr. comes out to $34.78 million. Good for Murphy, as that is more than twice the amount he was paid on his previous two-year deal by Minnesota. After calculating the cap hits for officially announced acquisitions, Minnesota still has roughly $50 million in spending power. They won’t have that much once the Javon Hargrave deal hits, however.

If the Vikings were to move on from Murphy Jr. after the first two years of the deal, they would be left with $10.8 million in dead cap. His hit is $21.6 million in 2027, so there is a still a sizable savings if they choose to go a different direction then.

As Star Tribune MN Vikings reporter Ben Goessling suggested, Minnesota’s Rob Brzezinski is “running a master class” when it comes to cap manipulation. The Vikings are, of course, in this position because they stopped short of offering a sizable deal to Sam Darnold. Instead, he signed with the Seahawks.

A couple of the free agents Minnesota has grabbed are on the older side. However, signing these players to longer-term deals, the Vikings can allow for their eventual replacements to learn under them and develop. It’s a strategy that jives with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s desire to push for a competitive rebuild and take multiple swings at a Super Bowl.

MN Vikings not done shopping

Even if the Minnesota Vikings were throwing cash around unintelligently, they’d still have enough space left in the salary cap to continue making moves. Which gives Adofo-Mensah plenty of options to sort through.

J.J. McCarthy is still the only rostered quarterback. And he remains the future, but the room will certainly need a backup. There’s also a decent possibility that another safety or cornerback addition is coming to add some depth.

Related: Vikings’ New Free Agent Deal Just Got Sweeter

What we saw early on in this process is that Minnesota knows what they are doing, and remained patient when attacking their goal. Plenty of the heavy lifting has taken place, and now they will continue exploring ways to improve.

The Vikings have limited draft capital in April, and the greatest way to mitigate that is with both an aggressive and successful run through free agency. So far that looks pretty damn good.

As teams scour players in hopes of landing them when the official negotiation window opens on March 12th, they will find plenty of players that wore purple in 2024. What both Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell must do is determine which of their former players they are most interested in, and can afford to retain.

With so many of these former Vikings being amongst the best available options at their position group, there will be plenty of competing interest in their services.

Where do Minnesota Vikings free agents rank?

It doesn’t seem like the Vikings will successfully pull off a tag-and-trade of Sam Darnold before the deadline on March 4. Which means, he’ll be among the most coveted free agents at any position. It’s not just the quarterback, though, as multiple of his former teammates are among them as well.

The Athletic recently broke down the top 10 free agents at each position. Here’s the list of Vikings:

Offensive free agents

Darnold ranking as the top quarterback option shouldn’t shock anyone, but his 8th place highlights the rest of the class’s quality. He finished the 2024 season with a PFF pass grade that ranked him 12th in the NFL. The Minnesota Vikings helped him to earn a sizable payday, but ESPN’s Bill Barnwell called him just a “capable starter” in his tier ranking last week.

Related: Vikings Will be Involved in Bidding War for Top Free Agent Guard

After last season saw Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry change homes, there isn’t as much meat on the bone for options at running back this year. That could be to the benefit of Aaron Jones. He’s 30 years old, comes off a career-year with 1,138 yards, but frequently suffers injuries. The Vikings would like him back, but not as the lone starter, the way he was last season.

Similarly to Darnold, Barnwell noted Jones as a “capable starter” as well as former Steelers RB Najee Harris. Those are the only two free agent running backs he gave that designation to. If it isn’t Jones for the Minnesota Vikings, it will need to be someone else, as Ty Chandler is the only other current rostered RB. The NFL Draft is astoundingly deep with ball carriers this cycle, so one would expect the Vikings to take their pick.

Cam Robinson joined the team near the season’s start after Christian Darrisaw’s injury. He was serviceable, but the Vikings already have two stellar tackles. It would be more alluring if he would slide inside and play guard, but a pay downgrade would follow and its unlikely Robinson opts for that. Barnwell listed him as a “capable starter” amidst a gaggle of options.

Just one standout defender for MN Vikings in free agency

Three of the four players designated as top Vikings free agents by The Athletic are on the offensive side of the ball. On the defensive side, Cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. is listed. He is reportedly the guy that Minnesota is most interested in keeping. Murphy Jr. is not ranked at the top of his position, but he is the only departing Viking on defense that makes the list.

Byron Murphy with one hand for the pick!

📺: #ATLvsMIN on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/14WbgFW1uR

— NFL (@NFL) December 8, 2024

Barnwell called Murphy Jr. a “Pro Bowl-caliber starter” and listed him as the best option at CB alongside Charvarius Ward. It makes sense why the Minnesota Vikings would want him back, but they could pivot to someone like D.J. Reed as well if he gets too expensive. Both Reed and Ward are ahead of Murphy Jr. from The Athletic’s view, and so too is Carlton Davis.

The Vikings are losing Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin in free agency, as well. Neither of them make the top ten for The Athletic, but provide solid value. Despite his age, Barnwell lists Gilmore as a “capable starter” while Griffin is a rung down and could be considered a “borderline starter or high-end backup.”

Related: Vikings Targeting Top Defensive Tackles in Free Agency and Both Get After QBs

Arguably the most surprising omission on the defensive side for Minnesota is that of Cam Bynum. He is set to hit free agency and will likely want more $$ than the Vikings are willing to pay. It seems questionable to consider him outside of the top ten options at the position, but Barnwell listed him as a “capable starter”, and only Jevon Holland checked in at a higher tier.

Brian Flores is back to lead the defense, but he has plenty of holes to fill before Week 1. How the Minnesota Vikings address them should be fascinating this offseason. They certainly have the cap space to be a big time player in free agency, we’ll just have to see how they plan to attack.

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has ample amounts of cap space to work with, but there are a ton of areas on the roster that he must address. It makes sense for the MN Vikings to prioritize some of their familiar talent, in order to keep some level of continuity in the secondary.

Minnesota Vikings trying hard to re-sign Byron Murphy Jr.

Byron Murphy Jr is coming off a two-year deal he signed with the the MN Vikings in 2023 that paid him $17.5 million. After a successful first stint in Minnesota, Murphy will likely get more than that on an annual basis.

And it’s become very clear that the Vikings want to be the team that pays it. In fact, it’s not a stretch to suggest that Murphy is the Minnesota Vikings’ most prioritized extension candidate. On Thursday, multiple local insiders include Matt Coller (Purple Insider), Andrew Krammer (Star Tribune), Alec Lewis (The Athletic) and Darren “Doogie” Wolfson (KSTP) relayed what they’ve been hearing behind the scenes on Murphy recently.

“Byron Murphy Jr. remains, I will double-slash triple down on what I’ve said going back to Tuesday, he is by far the number one internal priority. They so badly want him back…Byron wants to be in that ballpark, $19-ish to $21-ish million per year.”

Wolfson on the Vikings pursuit of Byron Murphy Jr. (Skor North)

Related: Shedeur Sanders Sending Not So Subtle Signal to Minnesota Vikings at NFL Combine

Byron Murphy Jr is a 27-year-old former second round pick, coming off a season in which he started 17 games for the first time in his career. He also made his first first Pro Bowl appearance, thanks to career highs in tackles (81), TFL (6), interceptions (6) and passes defensed (14).

Options beyond the Vikings

With free agency looming this offseason, Murphy Jr. did everything in his power to make sure the market for his services would be robust, and many have him pegged as the top cornerback on the market this cycle.

That means, while Minnesota would love to have Murphy back, they aren’t the only team in the mix for his services. Most recently, it appears the New York Giants are sniffing around the former 33rd overall pick out of Washington

The #Giants are poking around on the free agent CB market, including on the #Vikings’ Byron Murphy Jr., per source. They need a QB so badly it’s easy to forget their huge CB need. Travis Hunter’s 2-way ability + Murphy could help with an overhaul https://t.co/xrct1egFnw pic.twitter.com/CC5YWRbr1B

— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) February 27, 2025

The reality is that Minnesota could see Murphy Jr. as a stabilizing presence. He is a top-tier option while still having age on his side. Mekhi Blackmon will be back after his season-ending injury, but has started just three NFL games. Dwight McGlothern still has upside, but is completely unproven.

Related: Revealed: Why Gophers LB is Sitting Out NFL Combine Drills

Minnesota’s defense needs some infused stars at the top, and depth should only be something that operates as a benefit rather than reliance. A new contract for Murphy Jr. is going to be costly, but it makes sense that the Vikings have it near the top of their shopping list.

Ownership must commit to Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and extend his contract next. From there the front office will work on roster construction for 2025. Minnesota has a boatload of free agents to consider the future of, and some should be a priority to retain over others.

Four 2025 Minnesota Vikings free agents to retain

There are plenty of holes for the Minnesota Vikings to fill. They will do some of that work on the open market, and they’ll utilize the draft picks they do have to bring in talent as well. There are a couple of guys they have gotten to know though, that they shouldn’t let leave the organization.

Byron Murphy Jr., cornerback

This should be the first person Minnesota reaches out to with when looking at a signing a new contract. Byron Murphy Jr. signed a two-year deal worth $17.5 million to join the Vikings in 2023.

He started 14 games last year before being healthy for all 17 this season. After three interceptions during his Minnesota debut campaign, he pricked off six this season. His 81 tackles were a new career-high and he made the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career.

ONE HAND ARE YOU KIDDING ME @byronmurphy 😱😱

📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/eWHDOUl3Mk

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 8, 2024

The Vikings depth chart is ridiculously thin at cornerback going into the offseason. Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin are both free agents as well. There isn’t a single returning starter, and Murphy Jr. is going to be in line for a pay increase.

Related: 5 NFL Free Agents That Fit the Minnesota Vikings Perfectly

Mekhi Blackmon returns next year, but coming off a season-ending injury it remains to be seen what his effectiveness will look like. The tragic death of Khyree Jackson continues to impact the room, and despite being a training camp darling, Dwight McGlothern had minimal impact this year.

Camryn Bynum, safety

This offseason is already going to be one of massive turnover for the Vikings at the safety position. It should be all but guaranteed that Harrison Smith rides off into the sunset. If Bynum is going to follow suit, the Brian Flores will be turning over the position entirely.

Bynum has been with the Vikings since he was drafted in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. His rookie deal was just shy of $4.2 million, and it wasn’t until this last year that he carried his first annual salary of at least $1 million.

Cam Bynum always has the @Vikings ready with full choreography 🕺

(via @Cambeezy_) pic.twitter.com/92Bvkzkkja

— NFL (@NFL) December 30, 2024

In his rookie year Bynum started just three of the 14 games he played. He has started 17 games in each of the last three seasons, and 2024 was his best as a pro. Bynum picked off three passes this season and recovered a paif of fumbles. His 97 tackles fell short of the 137 last season, but he was a key cog of Flores’ defense.

Minnesota still has Josh Mettellus on the back end of the defense, but he is best utilized as a hybrid weapon. Bynum is going to command a significant pay increase, and he understands that may not come with the Vikings.

Related: Former Vikings HC Mike Zimmer Unemployed Again

He certainly faded down the stretch and became a bit too known for practicing his choreography. Still, if the secondary is to have a level of continuity, then keeping Bynum around in the vein of Smith’s tenure makes a good deal of sense.

Daniel Jones, quarterback

No, the quarterback Minnesota should keep is not Sam Darnold. They have their face-of-the-franchise in J.J. McCarthy. Darnold’s development earned him a payday, and short of a franchise tag and trade, he should expect to find that elsewhere.

That doesn’t mean McCarthy will be given the keys during Week 1. He has had ample time to recover, but still needs to acclimate at the highest level. Daniel Jones represents an ideal backup that could play bridge starter in the meantime, if McCarthy is not ready.

The #Vikings have signed QB Daniel Jones to the 53-man roster and waived QB Brett Rypien. pic.twitter.com/ycem45v50j

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 7, 2025

He represents a potential higher ceiling than Darnold came to Minnesota with, and got a first hand look at how the Vikings transformed the former Jets and Panthers quarterback’s career. Of course Jones flamed out in New York, but he’s just two years removed from a playoff victory and he posted a 9-6-1 record in 2022.

Thanks to Ed Donatell, Jones already got the bag from the Giants. Minnesota shouldn’t need to pay him much money in order to stick around. The situation may wind up being similar to Sam Darnold with the San Francisco 49ers last year, and that deal cost under $6 million.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Coaching Staff Remains Untouched… So Far

Jones’ name shouldn’t cause fear from Vikings fans for either playing time or cap hits. He immediately gives Kevin O’Connell a better backup than Nick Mullens, and McCarthy would have another veteran to bounce ideas off of.

Cam Akers, running back

Similarly to the cornerback position, there’s an exodus at running back in Minnesota. Aaron Jones was signed to a one-year deal, and so to was Cam Akers. That leaves just Ty Chandler as 53-man roster options, and we have already seen that O’Connell doesn’t feel comfortable with him as the starter.

Jones had a career-best 1,138 rushing yards with Minnesota this season. He also remained incredibly healthy. That said, he’ll be 31 next season and the Vikings might not want to risk rolling the dice again.

Akers was a guy that Minnesota wanted again this last offseason. He went to Houston in hopes of an expanded opportunity, but the Vikings came calling and brought him back in a trade. Akers looked spry in a change-of-pace role.

CLUTCH catch by Cam Akers for the first down to seal it! 🔥

📺: #GBvsMIN on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/tqo6bSZaSp

— NFL (@NFL) December 30, 2024

Across 12 games he tallied 297 yards with a 4.6 yards per carry average. That’s even better than he was in 2023, and he could help a rookie to acclimate into the offense.

Although Akers has torn his achilles twice, he is still young and will be just 26 years old next season. Maybe he commands more than a one-year deal, but he definitely could be talked into the reality that the grass isn’t always greener.

Related: Vikings Linebackers Appear Committed to Minnesota

On a modest deal, the Vikings could get a starting caliber back to pair with a drafted rookie. It would be the first time he signs with them from the start as well.

It’s clear the arrow is pointed straight up right now, but who has improved their stock the most through five weeks? Better yet, which Vikings have lowered their stock the most? Below, we dive into the 13 biggest winners and losers through five weeks of play.

Related: What We Learned About the Minnesota Vikings in London Win Over Jets

Winner: Sam Darnold

Prior to the Vikings’ Week 5 win, Darnold was looking like an early MVP candidate. His stats no longer have him leading the NFL in passing yards, but he still ranks second, and the rest of his numbers are still respectable.

• Sam Darnold stats: 63.5% comp. rate, 1,111 passing yards, 11 TD, 4 INT – 64.9 PFF grade (22nd among QBs)

Even if Darnold’s stats aren’t as gaudy as they once were, he’s still 5-0. As long as the Vikings keep winning, he’ll stay in the MVP conversation, but expecting him to win over other heavyweights like Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, or Patrick Mahomes is wishful thinking.

Still, he’s put himself in position to earn a massive payday from another team at the end of the season, and he’ll always have a special place in the Vikings’ hearts for taking a chance on him. After all, there’s no doubt the Vikings wouldn’t be on top of the NFC North without the former first-round pick.

Related: Where does Sam Darnold land in the latest NFL QB Rankings?

Loser: Ty Chandler

Entering the season, speculation pointed to Chandler nearly splitting rushing opportunities with Aaron Jones. Those reports couldn’t have been more wrong. We’ll get to Jones in a second, but this space is specially reserved for the Vikings’ backup running back.

Chandler has flashed moments of greatness. On Sunday, he had a 32-yard rush called back due to an illegal formation that had nothing to do with him. Otherwise? He’s been fairly ineffective rushing behind the same line Jones is thriving behind.

He’s carried the ball 42 times for 147 yards and zero touchdowns. That equates to just a 3.5 YPC average. For a point of reference, that’s worse than the 3.9 YPC Alexander Mattison averaged last season. In other words, Chandler just hasn’t gotten the job done.

Related: NFL Expert Kevin Durant Believes in the Minnesota Vikings and Sam Darnold

Winner: Aaron Jones

Chandler hasn’t lived up to the coaching staff’s expectations, but Jones definitely has. It’s clear the Vikings got a bargain by signing the former Packers Pro Bowl rusher to a one-year, $7 million contract. In fact, it might be time to see if he’s interested in a short-term extension.

The Vikings have been significantly better this season when Aaron Jones is on the field 💪

With Jones (165 plays)

– EPA per play: 0.02
– Yards per play: 6.1
– Plays resulting in a TD or 1st down: 30.9%
– Completion %: 72.5
– Success rate: 47.3%
– Yards per pass attempt: 9.7
-… https://t.co/NnJHi3Qxlx pic.twitter.com/lNxOPIiuBD

— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) October 7, 2024

When healthy, Jones has helped power an offense that ranks sixth in scoring this season. He’s done so while averaging a robust 4.9 YPC, racking up 350 yards and a rushing touchdown on 71 carries. Darnold has also learned to rely on him as a pass-catcher, where the 30-year-old has tacked on an additional 167 receiving yards and a TD catch on 17 receptions.

As great as some of the other free agency signings have been, a strong case can be made that Jones has been the single greatest addition to the Vikings’ roster this offseason. Yet, there are plenty of other contenders who can claim that title too.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Injury News: Latest Update on Aaron Jones Hip Injury

Loser: Ed Ingram

You already know the story. The Vikings selected Ed Ingram with the 59th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He was selected ahead of several players who have since become Pro Bowlers such as James Cook (Dalvin’s brother), Riq Woolen, and Brock Purdy.

Sure, he’s been a constant fixture in the starting lineup for all 37 games of his career. The issue is he grades very poorly in pass protection. This year he has a 29.4 grade per Pro Football Focus for his pass blocking. He’s lightyears ahead as a run blocker, with a still below-average grade of 62.2. Add it all up, and Ingram ranks 61st among 70 guards graded by PFF this season. In other words, he’s replaceable.

Does @Vikings RG Ed Ingram need replaced once G Dalton Risner is healthy?

Thru 5 weeks (per @PFF)*:
💥Overall: 52.7 (155 of 177)
💥Run Block: 62.2 (107 of 177)
💥Pass Block: 29.4 (173 of 177)
💥3 sacks (159 of 177)
💥1 QB hit (T-64 of 177)
💥13 QB hurries (176 of 177)
💥17 QB… pic.twitter.com/86s6vs6kjS

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) October 7, 2024

Related: Minnesota Vikings Fans Love Aaron Jones… but Not Like His Former QB Does

Winner: Patrick Jones II

Feeling like they needed more pass-rushers, the Vikings traded up to select Dallas Turner in the first round of April’s draft. Yet, if Brian Flores knew how much production he’d get from Patrick Jones II as he enters a contract year, maybe Turner would have never been selected.

Obviously Turner is still the future at the position, but Jones has performed very well in a rotational role. It’s been just five games, but he’s already up to a career-high five sacks this season. That’s included back-to-back two-sack performances to start the season after cooling off as of late.

Still, for a 26-year-old in a career year, Jones is setting himself up for a nice payday in free agency, and it probably won’t come from the Vikings with them already invested in Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Turner.

Related: Rich Eisen Called Out by Internet (and KFAN) for Biased Call of Vikings vs Jets

Loser: Dallas Turner

Have you seen Dallas Turner? To be fair, the 17th overall pick was one of the youngest players selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, at just 21 years old. The Vikings didn’t add him to the roster and expect Turner to be the team’s defensive MVP as a rookie.

Turner did miss a game with an injury, and he’s played just 78 defensive snaps, or 27% of the team’s plays when he’s healthy. But let’s not even think about placing a bust label on this sack artist yet. He did record a sack in his NFL debut, and even blew up a play in Sunday’s win over the Jets.

Yet, for those who expected Turner to compete for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award have to be a bit disappointed so far. But Turner’s slow start is due to no fault of his own, it’s simply due to how well his teammates ahead of him on the depth chart are playing.

Related: Top 10 Minnesota Vikings 1st Round Draft Picks of All-Time

Winner: Andrew Van Ginkel

Admit it, when Andrew Van Ginkel signed, many Vikings fans asked, “Who?” It hasn’t taken the Iowa native long to make an impression. In fact, he’s made a case to be the Vikings’ defensive MVP thus far. Some NFL experts are even asking themselves whether AVG is the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year right now.

Andrew Van Ginkel, who also had an interception-return TD in Week 1, is the first player in @NFL history with 3 sacks and multiple interception-return TDs in his team's first 5 games of a season. https://t.co/2napWrXhKy

— NFL345 (@NFL345) October 6, 2024

Van Ginkel has an elite 90.8 coverage grade via PFF through five weeks (best mark among edge rushers). Which is crazy, considering his primary job is to rush the passer.

But his unique skillset is exactly what the Vikings were attracted to. When quarterbacks line up at the line of scrimmage, they have absolutely no clue whether Van Ginkel is about to drop back in coverage or rush full speed at their feet. It’s working to perfection.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Partying Like it’s 1998

Loser: Levi Drake Rodriguez

Let’s not be too harsh here. Levi Drake Rodriguez was always considered a longshot prospect from the very moment he arrived with the Vikings as the 232nd pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Many seventh-round picks like him don’t even make the team.

Yet, LDR snuck onto the roster thanks to a non-stop motor plus a lack of defensive line depth in Minnesota. However, we’ve seen fellow undrafted rookie Taki Taimani active for all five games, and Rodriguez has been a healthy scratch in all five.

But this means nothing in the grand scheme. Odds are, the Vikings are still very high on the 24-year-old prospect, he may just need a bit more seasoning before the coaching staff feels they can trust him in a live game.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Already ‘Love’ Their New Longshot NFL Prospect X

Winner: Stephon Gilmore

When the Vikings were sniffing around Stephon Gilmore, many fans said, “Don’t bother.” This was partially because he was still unsigned. If 31 other teams don’t want him, why should the Vikings? It likely didn’t help that Gilmore is also 34 years old.

The haters couldn’t have been more wrong. Gilmore has assumed the No. 1 cornerback job from the moment he put on pads, and the Vikings’ defense has never looked back. So far, through five games, Minnesota’s pass defense is one of the best in the NFL, allowing the sixth-fewest yards per attempt, and having the most interceptions.

Gilmore’s superpowers were on full display in the Vikings’ Week 5 win over the Jets, where the former DPOY winner leaped in front of an errant Aaron Rodgers pass to clinch yet another victory for the fellas in purple. Gilmore’s been a breath of fresh air for a secondary that had more questions than answers before the season kicked off.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Draft Picks 2025: Tracking Future Vikings Draft Picks, Vikings Draft History

Loser: Byron Murphy Jr.

No cornerback has been targeted more than Byron Murphy Jr through five weeks. Quarterbacks have thrown his way 48 times. He’s allowed a catch on 35 of those opportunities. Thus, no other player has allowed more yards in coverage than Murphy, who’s allowed 405 yards, and two touchdowns.

Murphy has recorded an interception, but he’s also missed more tackles than any other cornerback (tied with former Viking Mike Hughes at 9). This has led to pass-catchers picking up an additional 144 yards after catch.

Among corners who have played at least 50% of their team’s snaps, Murphy grades 50th overall, which suggests he’s been no better than average. Yet, with the 26-year-old in a contract year, it’s possible the Vikings try replacing him during the offseason. Then again, he’s still young, so maybe learning from Pro Bowl corners like Gilmore and Shaq Griffin can help Murphy learn a thing or two too.

Related: Top 10 Minnesota Vikings QB Draft Picks of All-Time

Winner: Cam Bynum

Another Vikings defender setting himself up to cash in during free agency is Camryn Bynum. He’s in the final year of his rookie deal, but is tied for the team lead with two interceptions. He’s also just nine tackles behind Blake Cashman for the team lead, showing his versatility in coverage and in run support.

Once Harrison Smith says his farewell, the Vikings will still be in good hands, knowing Bynum and Josh Metellus will maintain some level of consistency in Minnesota’s secondary. But for now, Bynum’s showing he’s not only one of the best defenders on the team, but possibly even good enough to earn the first Pro Bowl nod of his career. Plus, his celebration game is immaculate.

Cam Bynum: "We're on a generational celebration run right now. This might've been one of my favorites. It's one of my favorite movies. It's based on London. I watched that movie last week, and I'm, like, 'This is it.'" https://t.co/rnbCAmOK21

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) October 6, 2024

Related: Do the Minnesota Vikings have the NFL’s best defense?

Loser: Akayleb Evans

Before the season kicked off, Akayleb Evans was being looked at as a potential starting cornerback. Yet, after adding Gilmore and Griffin, the 2022 fourth-round pick has completely fallen out of favor. Instead of playing valuable snaps on defense, the Vikings have stuffed Evans into a special teams role, where he gave everyone multiple scares against the Jets.

First, Evans collided with punt returner Brandon Powell, which could have led to a fumble and/or a change of possession. Of course, the replay showed Evans got pushed into Powell, so there wasn’t an issue, but unless he starts thriving in his new role, the 25-year-old’s long-term future in Minnesota could be in serious doubt.

Related: Top Minnesota Vikings Moments in Team History

Winner: Brian Flores

Is there really a bigger winner than Brian Flores? The second-year Vikings defensive coordinator somehow didn’t receive a single head coaching interview last season. His lawsuit against the NFL may have something to do with the non-interest.

Yet, at some point, if you’re a team making a new hire, how can you not reconsider Flores to lead your organization? There have been nothing but positive reports about the coach since he arrived in Minnesota, and his defenses are causing fits for every quarterback it takes on.

The Vikings went from allowing 21.3 points per game in 2023 to just 15.2 in 2024, where they currently allow the fourth-fewest points in the league. Allowing the second-fewest yards per rush (3.6) has certainly played a key factor, but the Vikings aren’t just geared to stop the run, they also have recorded the second-most sacks in the NFL. Brian Flores, you are a hero.

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Loser: Brandon Powell

When the Vikings are 5-0, it’s hard to find someone to pick on. But we couldn’t make a list full of winners, because there’s some darkness in this world too.

Brandon Powell gets a bad rap here, but it’s not because he’s been this horrible player or anything. He hasn’t gotten many opportunities since losing the third WR role to Jalen Nailor, but he has maintained his job as the team’s leading returner.

Yet, there just haven’t been many chances for him to thrive yet thus far. He’s only taken seven punt returns, where he’s gained 36 yards. That ranks second-worst in the NFL in yards per return, albeit in a very small sample size. At least he’s not muffing punts!

Related: Kevin O’Connell Takes Lead in NFL Coach of the Year Race