Just after 7 PM, news broke that cornerback Mekhi Blackmon has been traded to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a 2026 6th round draft pick.

The #Vikings have agreed to terms on a trade that will send CB Mekhi Blackmon to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a 2026 6th-round pick. pic.twitter.com/nTqNid3WQh

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 26, 2025

Blackmon, who the Vikings selected in the 3rd round of the 2023 NFL draft, played in 15 games as a rookie, even getting the start in three. He finished his first NFL season with 41 tackles, 1 interception and 8 passes defended.

Why did the Minnesota Vikings trade Mekhi Blackmon?

Heading into 2024, hopes were very high for the second-year cornerback out of USC and Colorado. He looked good during summer workouts and early during training camp too. Then, he tore his ACL and sat out all of 2024.

When he returned for training camp 2025, the now 26-year-old version of Mekhi Blackmon just hasn’t been the same guy. Throughout camp, you could tell that Blackmon was in jeopardy of missing out on the final 53-man roster.

Related: Adam Thielen Wants to Come Home; Vikings Trying…

Newcomers in the secondary like Jeff Okudah and Isaiah Rodgers were getting all the first team reps in practice, over Mekhi. During preseason games, they were getting the starter treatment, while Blackmon was playing deep into the second half of exhibition games.

In all likelihood, Mekhi Blackmon was not going to make the Minnesota Vikings’ 53-man roster, which is why they probably feel elated that they got another late round draft pick, in return.

You can tell he enjoys hanging out at TCO Performance Center a lot more when it is full of Vikings players. During his presser, KOC was asked questions on everything from his relationship with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, to his thoughts individual members of his coaching staff, and even gave a handful of offseason injury updates on key contributors for the 2025 season.

Latest Minnesota Vikings injury updates (Voluntary OTAs)

Not only are there a few 2024 Vikings who are either coming back or still working there way back from lingering injuries, but Minnesota also signed multiple free agents who are recovering from different football-related ailments of their own.

Related: MN Vikings Open to Paying Down Kirk Cousins’ Salary in a Trade?

So this afternoon, O’Connell read off a handful of fresh-baked MN Vikings injury updates, which included the latest on (QB) JJ McCarthy, (LT) Christian Darrisaw, (CB) Mekhi Blackmon, (DT) Javon Hargrave and (RG) Will Fries.

JJ McCarthy – “Full [participant]” for MN Vikings offseason workouts

Not only did Kevin O’Connell talk about JJ McCarthy during today’s presser, but he spent over five minutes answering questions about JJ’s knee, his recovery process the past 9 months and their plan for the 2024 No. 10 overall pick this offseason and going forward.

Here’s everything KOC had to say about his redshirt rookie quarterback, who he remains very excited about. But as far as where McCarthy stands, entering this week of voluntary OTAs, the Minnesota Vikings head coach officially labeled him as a “full [participant], really no limitation”.

Everything Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell said about JJ McCarthy at his press conference on Monday pic.twitter.com/t8lR3Pk5HM

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) April 21, 2025

We knew JJ McCarthy was considered healthy and that he was pretty much considered ‘ready to go’. But you just don’t know how healthy that really is until someone gets on the practice field with teammates. So to hear that JJ has zero limitations during these early offseason workouts is great news.

Christian Darrisaw – “Progressing in his recovery program”

There is only one Minnesota Vikings player recovering from injury who means anywhere near as much to the organization as their future franchise quarterback, and that is left tackle Christian Darrisaw, who suffered his own season-ending knee injury in week 8 of the 2024 season.

Darrisaw is still a ways away from returning to the practice field with his teammates, but his head coach really likes where he is at in his recovery and how he has attacked his rehab, to this point. Of course, when KOC turns a conversation the way he did Monday with Christian, you do wonder about his timeline and whether or not he will be ready by day one.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Trying to Trade for Sam Howell…?

He has about six months before the start of the season, so there is plenty of time. In no way does the 25-year-old staple left tackle seem behind schedule, it’s just worth wondering how far out that original return date really was, given how late in the season he suffered the injury.

KOC gave an update (kind of) on Christian Darrisaw today too. pic.twitter.com/Lr4HjKJu9B

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) April 22, 2025

“Christian [Darrisaw] has absolutely, knocked it out of the park so far. Working alongside our staff here. He’s had a really, really good offseason up until this point. The latest update I got. You know, he’s lifting, he’s running…people were pretty excited about where he’s at now. It’s just a matter of maintaining.”

“And he’s had such a professional focus, with very, very, you know, really from day one, remarkably, he’s just had such a good attitude about attacking [his rehab], knowing exactly what he is and who he is as a player and working his way right back to that place and beyond. So [we] feel really good about that.”

Kevin O’Connell on the recovery of Christian Darrisaw

Mekhi Blackmon, Javon Hargrave, Will Fries “limited”

The final few Minnesota Vikings injury updates today via Kevin O’Connell had to do with two freshly-signed free agents, Javon Hargrave (partially-torn right tricep) and Will Fries (tibia fracture), along with depth cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (torn ACL).

According to KOC, the latter is nearing the very end of his rehab and individual work, before returning to the practice field. He described both Hargrave and Fries as “limited” to start offseason activities.

Javon Hargrave and Will Fries –“Hargrave is another one that will probably be limited a little bit early on, but should progress throughout the spring. Will Fries and Hargrave are kind of in a similar spot, but expect those guys to progress at a pretty good clip, especially as we head toward phase two [of offseason programs].

Mekhi Blackmon –“A guy kind of heading toward the end point of that rehab, from his ACL [injury], and I see him progressing to football activities here as we move through the spring.”

Now it’s up to coach Kevin O’Connell to get the most out of the pieces he’s been given. So, which Vikings training camp battles can fans look forward to?

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

Minnesota Vikings fans get first QB competition since 2014

It’s crazy to think back, but the Vikings haven’t headed into the season with a quarterback battle since 2014, when it was either Teddy Bridgewater, Matt Cassel, or Christian Ponder. It’s a similar scenario this year, only J.J. McCarthy, selected tenth, was drafted far ahead of Bridgewater, who was the final player picked in the first round.

Vikings coaches have done their best to lower expectations of the 21-year-old while hyping up former No. 2 overall pick Sam Darnold. But teams don’t take players in the top ten and then sit them on the bench all year long.

Darnold may very well be in for a career year, but if McCarthy looks ahead of the curve, the coaching staff may not have a choice but to start him. Once the locker room becomes convinced he’s ‘the guy,’ there’s no looking back.

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

Who will snag the Vikings’ WR3 role?

After letting K.J. Osborn leave in free agency, the Vikings suddenly have a gaping hole at the third receiver position. The in-house leader to snag the WR3 role is Brandon Powell, who’s seemingly Coach O’Connell’s teacher’s pet. But there are several worthy competitors too.

Vikings coaches have also propped up Jalen “Speedy” Nailor for a couple of seasons now. Injuries have held him back, but if Nailor can stay on the field, he may prove to be the best pure receiver of the bunch. There’s always the chance that Trent Sherfield Sr, Lucky Jackson, or possibly even an outside addition becomes the third receiver behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison too.

Related: Vikings’ Star Tight End Has Some Big Praise for Rookie QB

MN Vikings training camp battles in trenches could be pivotal

The Vikings’ interior offensive line has been a weak point for several seasons now. Garrett Bradbury finding his way in 2022 was a much-needed development, and the same goes for Ed Ingram last season. But there are still question marks at left guard, despite Dalton Risner providing a steady hand in 2023.

Now the Vikings are starting from scratch, opening up the competition at guard between Risner, Ingram (who probably isn’t at risk of losing his job), and Blake Brandel. The Vikings didn’t give Brandel near-starter money just so he could stick around as a trusted backup; he’s definitely in the mix to start. Yet, competition breeds excellence, so maybe lighting a fire along the interior is just what this team needs.

Related: Blake Cashman is Gushing Over New Vikings Teammate, JJ McCarthy

Defensive line rotation is up for grabs in Minnesota

Arguably the Vikings’ biggest weakness heading into the season, the Vikings NEED to identify a difference-maker along the defensive line. Harrison Phillips is an above-average player, but he’ll never be elite, and he needs some help.

Unlike other areas of the team (defensive backs), the Vikings’ new regime hasn’t invested much draft capital into the defensive trenches. Edge rusher, sure, but not on the interior. However, the Vikings have a collection of ‘bodies’ who could snag a starting role. Along with Phillips, Jonathan Bullard, and Jerry Tillery are the expected starters, but don’t sleep on 2023 fifth-round pick Jaquelin Roy or James Lynch from earning a role either.

We also can’t forget about the fire inside Levi Drake Rodriguez’s heart. The rest of the NFL passed on LDR several times over before the Vikings ended his freefall as the 232nd overall pick. But coaches love his motor, giving him just as strong of a chance as any other competitor in this dogfight.

Related: Two of the Best Safeties in Football Should be Minnesota Vikings

Vikings cornerback battle will be fierce

Byron Murphy Jr replaced Patrick Peterson as the Vikings’ top cornerback with ease last season. After that? The jobs are up for grabs. Shaq Griffin, as a former Pro Bowl cornerback, is a good bet to hold down a starting role.

But Mekhi Blackmon and Akayleb Evans won’t make it easy. They combined for 18 starts last season (15 for Evans, 3 for Blackmon). There’s always the possibility Andrew Booth Jr shows up healthy and ready to live up to his potential as a former second-round pick, too; he’s only 23.

That’s not even accounting for 2023 undrafted rookies Jaylin Williams, NaJee Thompson, or the safety/cornerback hybrid Jay Ward. There’s a lot of competition here. Aside from the perceived QB battle, watching the corners slug it out might be the next best show in town.

Related: Kevin O’Connell Cannot Comprehend Why Other Teams Don’t Want Brian Flores

Kicking competition: Will Reichard or John Parker Romo?

Kickers are people too. The Vikings let Greg Joseph test free agency, which led to him joining a three-headed Green Bay Packers competition. Good luck.

Meanwhile, the Vikings have turned their attention to All-XFL kicker John Parker Romo, who’s spent time with the Saints, Lions, and Bears. But he’s never kicked in an NFL game. Although, some kickers just take longer to find their way, and it’s possible the 26-year-old is ready for primetime.

But then there’s Will Reichard, who the Vikings couldn’t wait to make the first kicker drafted back in April. The sixth-round pick out of Alabama has a big boot, which should play well in U.S. Bank Stadium, and coaches are already impressed. Since the Vikings used a draft pick on Reichard, it’s hard to imagine him losing his roster spot, but it all depends on the competition.

Related: ESPN: Vikings Should Have NFL’s Best Weapons

Blackmon finished with some pretty decent Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades for a rookie too. His 71.8 overall PFF grade was actually the highest on the team from last year and ranked 32nd of 127 in the NFL. Not only that, Blackmon’s 90.3 tackling grade was the highest among all defensive rookie players in the NFL.

Blackmon’s 2023 PFF Grades:

• Overall: 71.8
• Run Defense: 63.9
• Pass Rush: 60.0
• Coverage: 71.8
• Tackling: 90.3

#Vikings rookie Mekhi Blackmon, in 2023, was 1st among all rookies with a 90.3 tackling grade. No other defender, let alone CB was even close.

Can't wait for year 2 with #5 pic.twitter.com/Cdseb5KzgC

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) January 9, 2024

Mekhi Blackmon the third-best Minnesota Vikings’ cornerback?

Although Blackmon shined at points last season, he did have mistakes at critical times in games. This of course, lead to the Minnesota Vikings continuing to add pieces to the cornerback room both via free agency (Shaq Griffin) and the draft (Khyree Jackson).

Despite the competition thus far this spring, Alec Lewis (The Athletic) recently noted that Blackmon is entering training camp as the “team’s third-best cornerback right now” and that he “participated with the starters all spring”.

According to @Alec_Lewis, #Vikings CB Mekhi Blackmon is the “team’s 3rd best corner right now” and “participated with the starters all spring.” #Skol

📸: @SInow pic.twitter.com/GeUF355to7

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) June 18, 2024

Although Blackmon seems to be in the driver’s seat for a starting cornerback spot in the nickel base defense, a lot can change between now and week one of the NFL season. Especially, with the current number of roster spots allocated to the cornerback room.

A look at the Minnesota Vikings’ cornerback competition

There’s going to be a very aggressive training camp competition for that third starting cornerback position. There’s currently ten cornerbacks on the roster and approximately five or six of them will make the final 53-man roster.

Related: Albert Breer is Buying Minnesota Vikings Stock Over Other NFC North Teams

Outside of Shaq Griffin and Byron Murphy Jr., the cornerback depth chart is wide open. Andrew Booth Jr. seems like a long shot to make the roster now, while newly drafted cornerback Khyree Jackson seems poised for an opportunity to get snaps this season.

Akayleb Evans, Vikings’ 2022 fourth-round pick, seems to have been demoted once again from the starting cornerback rotation early in organized team activities.

According to @Alec_Lewis, Akayleb Evans played outside CB for most of last week’s OTAs, but CB Mekhi Blackmon got most of the snaps yesterday 👀

“Akayleb Evans played outside cornerback for most of last week’s OTA practice available to media members, but second-year corner Mekhi… pic.twitter.com/WymF8aLgkW

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) May 30, 2024

Overall, the cornerback competition this season is going to be fierce and highly competitive. Blackmon may be in the driver’s spot right now for a starting position, but that could all change after a couple days at Minnesota Vikings’ training camp.

Although Brian Flores was able to get a more productive defense from the unit as a whole, opposing quarterbacks picked apart the secondary. The unit has been infused with new talent in the form of Khyree Jackson, Shaq Griffin, and Dwight McGlothern, but what players start on a weekly basis remains to be seen. Mekhi Blackmon and Akayleb Evans are the leaders in the clubhouse for the final starting spot, but one will have to earn it.

Mekhi Blackmon and Akayleb Evans battle for final Minnesota Vikings starting spot

It is virtually a lock that Byron Murphy Jr. and Shaq Griffin will start at the top two cornerback spots for the Minnesota Vikings this season. The final starting spot appears to be a battle between Mekhi Blackmon and Akayleb Evans. With mini camp coming to a close, The Athletic’s Alec Lewis had some observations on the situation.

Griffin on the outside; Murphy on the inside. If the Vikings have their way, that’s the plan. That is, if another cornerback can hold up on the outside. Evans is more apt to match up physically with imposing receivers, and Blackmon might have better anticipatory skills. Both took first-team snaps this spring.

Alec Lewis on the Vikings cornerback position for The Athletic

According to @PFF_Gordon, #Vikings CB Mekhi Blackmon was named to 2024 All-Breakout Team, in which only 11 defensive players were selected 👏

“The former USC Trojan had a nice rookie campaign, posting a 71.8 PFF coverage grade after joining the Vikings as a third-round draft… pic.twitter.com/zV2fWsnbkr

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) June 13, 2024

For now, the incumbents will get the first crack at making it work. Blackmon and Evans may be battling each other, but without pushing themselves further, both could be overtaken by one of the newcomers.

Related: Do the Vikings Have a New Starting Cornerback?

Could another Minnesota Vikings corner challenge for CB3?

When the Vikings drafted Khyree Jackson out of Oregon, he was seen as a strong value pick. The big bodied corner has an interesting story and has taken the path less traveled to get here. Already 24 years old, it is questionable how much development he still has in front of him, but a strong showing at the highest level could have him cracking the lineup relatively soon.

Khyree Jackson already making plays for the #Vikings in rookie minicamp 💪pic.twitter.com/6KLOrx9p6i

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) May 11, 2024

Dwight McGlothern has raised eyebrows as an undrafted rookie, and he could force his way into the picture as well. One man that appears to be on the outs is former second round pick Andrew Booth Jr. Given his cap hit and positioning on the depth chart, there is little incentive for Minnesota to keep giving him chances to make it work.

It’s always possible Jackson and McGlothern will usurp Evans and Blackmon on the outside, especially considering their size. I also would not sleep on Williams, who always seems to hold his own in practice, and Booth is in a similar situation to Cine with his cap hit.

Alec Lewis on the Vikings cornerback position for The Athletic

Related: Light Bulbs Just Aren’t Turning On for Lewis Cine or Andrew Booth Jr.

While the quarterback position is where all the eyeballs have been this offseason, how the cornerbacks hold up will go a long ways towards determining what level of competitiveness the Vikings defense can provide. Minnesota will need multiple players to show out in 2024 if they are going to beat offseason projections.

Mekhi Blackmon In, Akayleb Evans Out as Minnesota Vikings Outside Cornerback?

According to Alec Lewis (The Athletic), second-year cornerback Mekhi Blackmon took a majority of the snaps as the outside cornerback at Wednesday’s organized team activity practice. It also looks like Evans was demoted back to the second team.

According to @Alec_Lewis, Akayleb Evans played outside CB for most of last week’s OTAs, but CB Mekhi Blackmon got most of the snaps yesterday 👀

“Akayleb Evans played outside cornerback for most of last week’s OTA practice available to media members, but second-year corner Mekhi… pic.twitter.com/WymF8aLgkW

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) May 30, 2024

Akayleb Evans played outside cornerback for most of last week’s OTA practice available to media members, but second-year corner Mekhi Blackmon garnered most of the snaps Wednesday. After one pass breakup, he even jawed with receiver Brandon Powell, and Bynum stepped between them to break them up.

Alec Lewis – Minnesota Vikings’ Beat Writer (The Athletic)

Related: Rookie Khyree Jackson a Minnesota Vikings starter?

Not only does Lewis note that Blackmon garnered most of the snaps Wednesday, but also noted one big pass breakup where he jawed with wide receiver Brandon Powell, with safety Cam Bynum stepping in to break them up. This is somewhat noteworthy from someone who got a lot of playing time as a rookie cornerback due to Evans being benched multiple times last season.

Who will win the starting outside cornerback spot for the Minnesota Vikings?

At this point in time, it seems like Vikings’ cornerbacks Griffin and Murphy Jr. are locks to be starters in their base and nickel defense. When the Vikings shift to a nickel defense, Murphy Jr. will go into the slot leaving an open starting spot on the outside.

As of now, that battle seems to be between Evans and Blackmon. Both of whom having an up and down season last year, more so Evans than Blackmon. Evans finished with a 2023 Pro Football Focus (PFF) overall grade of 55.0 which is not good. Blackmon finished with a 2023 PFF overall grade of 71.8. Significantly better than Evans, despite being a rookie, but did regress toward the end of the season.

#Vikings CB Akayleb Evans has had a rough few weeks… His @PFF grades are as follows:#Lions: (Overall: 46.7, Run Def: 50.2, Tackling: 27.5, Coverage: 46.9)#Packers: (Overall: 30.1, Run Def: 48.5, Tackling: 28.5, Coverage: 29.4)#Lions: (Overall: 32.4, Run Def: 52.9, Tackling:… pic.twitter.com/gsrZsWflzt

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) January 8, 2024

Overall, the opposite outside cornerback spot in the nickel defense will be a fun battle this offseason. Cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. seems to be on thin ice as a former second-round pick in the 2022 draft, but early on this offseason it seems like Evans and Blackmon are competing for that spot. Don’t rule out new rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson too. He seems to already be impressing the coaches.