Now, with less than a month to go before the start of training camp, the Vikings are telling media members that they are happy with the roster, as is. But on paper, fans and reporters point to the cornerback room with skepticism.

The only starting CB still on roster from 2024 is Byron Murphy Jr, who signed a massive new contract extension to come back. From there though, there are a ton of questions surrounding which other Vikings corners are capable of playing 500-1000 defensive snaps in 2025.

Because the two defensive backs who filled Minnesota’s CB2 and CB3 roles in 2024 are no longer on the team. Stephon Gilmore, going on 35 years old early next season, remains a free agent.

While technically the Minnesota Vikings could still make Gilmore a training camp addition, just like last year, they’ve shown no interest in such a reunion, to this point. Another 2024 CB the Vikings haven’t really seemed intrigued by the idea of bringing back, is Shaq Griffin.

Shaq Griffin no longer an option for Minnesota Vikings

Meanwhile, the soon-to-be 30-year-old hasn’t been waiting up for them, either. Instead, Griffin has been flirting heavily with the team that drafted him back in 2017, the Seattle Seahawks. And on Wednesday, they made their west coast reunion official. After one season as a Viking, Shaq Griffin will again be a Seahawk in 2025.

Veteran corner Shaq Griffin is signing a one-year, $3M deal with Seattle worth up to $4M, per source. Sides have been talking through offseason, now reach deal. https://t.co/M0Fj4mojHG

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) June 25, 2025

Last season, his eighth in the NFL, Griffin appeared in all 17 games for the Minnesota Vikings, including three starts. Now, he’ll head back to Seattle where his 2024 teammate Sam Darnold is waiting for him. As a Viking, Griffin snagged 2 interceptions, to go with 6 passes defensed, 41 total tackles and 1 TFL.

Griffin last played for the team that drafted him in the third round pick back in 2017. Seattle is where Shaq made his lone Pro Bowl (2019), too. The Seahawks finished second in the NFC West last season, but they’re a much different team in 2025.

Vikings could still use cornerback help… on paper

As of now, the Minnesota Vikings are set to lean heavily on newly acquired Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah, along with 2023 third round pick, Mekhi Blackmon, who spent 2024 recovering from major knee surgery. Of those CBs, Okudah is the only one with legitimate starting NFL experience… and we all know how that went.

Thus, it sure looks like the Vikings secondary could use at least one more starting-caliber veteran who can come in and compete near the top of the depth chart, immediately, much like Gilmore last season. But it doesn’t matter what the depth chart looks like on paper, if Minnesota is really as confident in their new crop of CBs as they claim.

New Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and Byron Murphy are already 'best friends' after just meeting this spring.

Rodgers will have a big role this fall.

I caught up with the DBs at mini camp this week: pic.twitter.com/SAKMJMRGEP

— Ren Clayton (@Ren_Clayton) June 14, 2025

The MN Vikings weren’t in on Jaire Alexander, and don’t appear interested in Jalen Ramsey. There are still veteran options on the open market, and more will come through, as camp cuts commence. Will Kwesi & Co. pounce? We’ll find out soon enough.

When the dust settled a couple weeks later, there were over a dozen new Vikings on the roster, thanks to one of the biggest spending sprees league-wide so far this offseason. Long-term, spending in free agency every offseason is not a viable strategy for winning at the NFL level. Overpaying aging veterans usually isn’t.

If the Vikings are going to fully take advantage of JJ McCarthy’s rookie contract window, and succeed beyond it — they’ll need to start adding better, more talented players through the NFL Draft. Unfortunately, Kwesi & Co own just four picks, heading into draft week 2025.

Familiar faces could return for Minnesota Vikings

That’s not a lot of ammo for a team needing help at CB, S, WR, OL and QB (among others). Even if they trade back and collect more picks, the odds that mid-late round rookies are able to contribute in 2025 (or ever) gets less and less, the further you move back.

So undoubtedly, some positions will be strengthened between April 24 and April 26, while others will remain more glaring weaknesses. Cornerback is one room where the Minnesota Vikings could use additional talent. Could it come at No. 24, where they are currently slotted in the first round?

Ben Solak (ESPN) doesn’t think that is the best route for the Vikings to go. Why? Well, it sounds like the NFL Draft analyst/insider might have some steam. Solak writes that the Vikings actually have two starting cornerbacks from last year’s team — Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin — who are pretty much waiting in the free agency weeds, hoping that Kwesi and DC Brian Flores avoid drafting a cornerback at the top of the draft, so they can re-sign.

“I’d be more worried about the vacant snaps at cornerback left by Stephon Gilmore  and Shaquill Griffin if not for the fact that both remain unsigned. If the Vikings leave this draft with meager cornerback reinforcements, expect one or both to be re-signed.

Ben Solak – ESPN

Thus, with limited draft capital to work with, it doesn’t make much sense for the Minnesota Vikings to draft a position somewhere they can already find better, more proven talent — who can immediately slot and make your defense better. The Vikings have only one premium pick in this draft. After that, they don’t pick again until the 3rd round.

Stephon Gilmore, Shaq Griffin providing security for Vikings

Solak admits that “the Vikings’ roster is really, really good, so they don’t have any immediate needs to fill.” So more than likely, the Minnesota Vikings will go best player available. If that ends up being a cornerback, then it’s possible Griffin and/or Gilmore won’t want to come back. That’s why waiting makes sense for them.

Shaq Griffin and Stephon Gilmore both started for the Vikings in 2024, though Griffin was only used is sub packages with additional CBs. With Byron Murphy Jr. back and Isaiah Rodgers signed, they’ve already started to replace them. One more young talent could chase both away.

Related: MN Vikings Like Their Current Backup QB More Than Most Realize

Gilmore will be 35 years old but played in 15 games and had an interception with one pass defended. Griffin had a pair of picks and six passes defended. Griffin is younger at 30 years old this season, but he probably is the lesser player even with Gilmore’s age.

Stephon Gilmore could opt for retirement, if he doesn’t find a deal to his liking, but if he gets the role he wants in Minnesota, a return makes a ton of sense for both sides. We’ll see if the draft changes that, but it looks like it’ll have to be a big time CB talent who falls to them, if that’s the route they are going to go.

Home field advantage plays a role for Minnesota Vikings

The Houston Texans found themselves on the wrong end of the scoreboard in a hurry on Sunday. The Minnesota Vikings picked off C.J. Stroud and found the end zone. After going up 14-0, fans turned the pressure all the way up. With U.S. Bank Stadium in full throat, it was evident how much of an impact the noise made. The Vikings could feel it too. Shaq Griffin has played in loud stadiums, but he told the Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling that this was different.

“Seattle. That was the only time where it happened.”

Shaq Griffin on practicing for crowd noise a home team (Star Tribune)

Former Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones has played in U.S. Bank Stadium previously, but he too was shocked at the noise Sunday.

“Great fans out here. They affected the game many times. I know you’ve seen it. Someone said it was close to 130 decibels in here, which is crazy, I’ve never seen that.”

Aaron Jones on the crowd Sunday (NFL Network)

Andre Ware was so upset on the radio broadcast after Laremy Tunsil’s first false start of the game 😂 pic.twitter.com/rajIqXWDDj

— Figgy Fig (@TheFiggyFig) September 22, 2024

It’s great that the Minnesota Vikings noticed how loud the home crowd was on Sunday. It certainly paid dividends in forcing mistakes from the opposition as well. Houston Left tackle Laremy Tunsil was clueless all game, and he has now racked up ten penalties (nine accepted) through the first three weeks. He was part of a second quarter stretch in which Houston committed four-straight penalties to push themselves out of field goal position.

#Texans LT Laremy Tunsil had more yardage in penalites (25) today than Houston got from any running back (21).

The #Vikings home field crowd had him rattled.

— Ted (@tlschwerz) September 23, 2024

Related: Aaron Jones Confirms: Minnesota > Green Bay

The Vikings will head to hostile territory in Week 4 to face the Green Bay Packers. The home field advantage for Minnesota’s top rival is not often sound related. Vikings fans will make the trek into Wisconsin in order to make their presence felt. There should be a solid contingent that show up in London as well.

Related: Cowherd is ALL THE WAY Bought in on the Minnesota Vikings

U.S. Bank Stadium’s next opportunity to show out with the home crowd comes in Week 7 against the Detroit Lions. The NFC North division lead could be on the line.

Shaq Griffin practices for Minnesota Vikings on Monday

Brian Flores has seen the cornerback position depleted as summer has turned closer to fall. Tragedy took Khyree Jackson before his career even started. Mekhi Blackmon went down with a season-ending injury.

It has been a tough few months. But Shaq Griffin returning to the field, after missing weeks of practice time due to a hamstring strain, makes two straight days of positive developments.

Vikings returned to practice today at TCO after week in Cleveland. No pads in first of four practices this wk

CB Stephon Gilmore, in No. 23, already getting first-team reps at left corner when Byron Murphy moves into the slot. CB Shaq Griffin (hamstring) returned at right corner

— Andrew Krammer (@Andrew_Krammer) August 19, 2024

This offseason Griffin was the lone veteran addition at the cornerback spot. Once Stephon Gilmore joined the team the position appeared set. Griffin is expected to play on the outside, opposite Byron Murphy Jr. With Gilmore in the fold there is some shuffling to be done, but the Vikings now have a three headed monster.

Related: Stephon Gilmore Finally Hops Aboard the 2024 Minnesota Vikings Ship

Minnesota has just a couple of weeks left before the regular season kicks off. That should be enough time for Griffin to get back into game shape.

Minnesota Vikings cornerbacks positioned well with healthy Shaq Griffin return

It’s legitimately crazy how quickly the fortunes of a team can turn. That’s exactly what has happened for the Minnesota Vikings. Gilmore’s signing raises the water level of the group as a whole. Griffin being healthy rounds out the top trio.

Welcoming the new guy to the group.#Skol pic.twitter.com/jTMqxY0cym

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 19, 2024

The Vikings brought Griffin in believing he could be a legitimate asset alongside Byron Murphy Jr. The addition of Gilmore takes pressure off of both veterans. A group that had bodies now seems to have depth given the realistic responsibilities for those players a bit further down the depth chart.

Griffin was a former third round pick and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2019. Health issues had him on the field for just 13 games and seven starts between the Texans and Panthers last season. He hasn’t played a complete season since that 2019 year, but recorded his first interception since 2020 last year. A fresh start with Minnesota, and a clean bill of health, could be exactly what the 29-year-old needs.

Related: Does Stephon Gilmore Fix the Minnesota Vikings’ Cornerback Issues?

Flores has seen his defense turn over at a few key positions this offseason. He started a positive trend as last season went on. With Sam Darnold under center and offensive uncertainty, the hope would be that this group can continue the momentum.

Minnesota Vikings’ Shaq Griffin is set to return soon

Although Griffin has yet to practice for nearly all of training camp recovering from a hamstring injury on day two of Vikings’ training camp, it sounds like his return is imminent. After speaking to reporters and media members after the last joint practice with the Cleveland Browns, head coach Kevin O’Connell gave an encouraging update on Griffin.

#Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell says he believes CB Shaq Griffin will be ready for the start of the season, per @MatthewColler pic.twitter.com/zfk7uZawsu

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) August 15, 2024

Shaq will be ready [for the start of the season]. I know I haven’t been incredibly detailed with that timeline, but that timeline has always been one where we thought the regular season would not be in question.

Minnesota Vikings’ Head Coach Kevin O’Connell

Related: Vikings Defense Dominated Browns This Week?

Towards the end of the pressor, O’Connell noted that Griffin is progressing well in recovery and “will be ready” for the start of the season. This may not be as exciting of news as one may think, but given the lack of talent and depth in the cornerback room, every body is necessary. Especially Griffin, who excels at playing man-to-man coverage. Something defensive coordinator Brian Flores wants to do more of this year.

Iron sharpens iron. #Skol

WR Justin Jefferson 🤝 CB Shaq Griffin

🎥: @Vikings / IG pic.twitter.com/WpBVyGU6CO

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

Soft tissue injuries can be tricky. Injuries that can linger for an entire season. One thing is for sure, the Minnesota Vikings are cautious about them, and when O’Connell says they can return, they very likely are. Overall, it sounds like Vikings’ fans have nothing to worry about as it relates to Griffin and whether or not he will be ready by week one.

But the most common comp picks are awarded to teams who lose more talent in free agency than they are able to bring in. Free agency compensatory picks are awarded from rounds 3 through 7. The better the free agent, the higher the comp pick.

For example, Kirk Cousins is worth the highest value comp pick available (3rd round) so that’s what he counts TOWARD the Minnesota Vikings comp pick formula. For the Falcons, Kirk counts the same thing AGAINST their formula.

How many compensatory draft picks will the Minnesota Vikings receive?

But each player lost and gained gets thrown into each team’s compensatory pick formula, which is why (as previously mentioned) Minnesota’s is so jumbled. There are 11 players who count either for or against their 2025 formula.

Essentially, it’s a cancel-out system. If you bring in a free agent with a 3rd round comp grade and lose a free agent with the same grade, they get cancelled out. Of course, as you can see above, that system isn’t always a one-for-one cancellation process, which leads to some gray area in calculations.

Related: Watch Vikings UDFA Fight a Teammate

That brings us to Shaq Griffen, who the Vikings signed this offseason. There have been some questions raised surrounding why exactly Minnesota pulled the trigger on Griffen, when it’s quite possible that his addition may have cost them a comp pick in 2025, possibly even a 3rd rounder.

The Vikings were expected to possibly see two players, Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter, leave the team for top tier deals elsewhere, and that is what happened. The Vikings also lost several other CFAs, but were also aggressive in signing CFAs of their own to offset some of those departures. Nonetheless, they had at least balanced this to where the 3rd rounders for both Cousins and Hunter leaving were on the board...until they signed Shaquill Griffin to a one year, $4.55 million contract, leaving the Vikings with a net loss of only 1 CFA, giving the formula no choice but to cancel out Hunter’s contract with Griffin’s.

Now, it’s fine for a team to conclude that signing a player now is better than getting a comp pick later, but adding to the intrigue are multiple reports that say the Vikings expect multiple comp picks to offset the tradeups they made in the draft.

Nick Korte – OverTheCap.com

So… did the Minnesota Vikings really give up a 3rd round comp pick for Shaq Griffin, who is not expected to start ahead of Akayleb Evans Mechi Blackmon? That doesn’t seem like a very smart acquisition, does it? Well, it’s important to remember that future draft picks do not guarantee future successful draft picks, especially at the back end of rounds 3-7.

Minnesota Vikings chose free agents now over comp picks later

So… choosing Griffen over even the highest comp pick possible, isn’t a big deal. Also, it’s possible, because Griffen was claimed off waivers, that he may not count against the formula at all. But in this case, it appears the Vikings made a conscious decision to choose free agent talent now over possible draft talent in the future.

Related: Did Vikings’ History with Jim Harbaugh Get in the Way of Draft Day Trade Talks?

According to what sources with the Minnesota Vikings are telling Alec Lewis (The Athletic), their front office came to the realization, when they decided to sign Jonathan Greenard, that they’d probably only end up with one 3rd round comp pick, not two… though it seems they are holding out hope for one more later on.

Hey man thanks for reading and appreciate the question. I checked around on this Monday. It sounds like internally they had really only planned for one third (w/ potential for day 3 later), especially once they signed Greenard

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) May 8, 2024

So, from what they are telling Lewis, they haven’t been expecting multiple 3rd round comp picks since free agency got going. OTC notes that they could still luck into more, possibly even a 3rd rounder, if Oli Udoh (Falcons) or Josh Dobbs (49ers) start the entire 2024 season, both of which are extremely unlikely.