Top 5 Vikings Free Agent Options at CB
Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III (23) looks on at a timeout against Los Angeles Rams during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, September 8, 2024. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
With the start of NFL free agency on the horizon, I am continuing my look at the top FA options for the Vikings by position. This time, I look at the possibilities for Vikings at CB in this year’s free agency.
Top 5 Vikings Free Agent Options at CB
The Vikings’ main three CBs from the 2024 season — Byron Murphy, Stephon Gilmore, and Shaq Griffin — are all set to hit free agency, leaving the cupboard bare in Minnesota. Mekhi Blackmon — who missed last season with a knee injury — and 2024 undrafted rookie Dwight McGlorthern are the only CBs currently in situ. Bringing back Murphy, who had the best season of his career last time out, should be a high priority, but it won’t come cheap. Then the Vikings will still need to find another quality CB who can start on the outside.
5. Rasul Douglas
Green Bay Packers cornerback Rasul Douglas (29) celebrates with defensive back Chandon Sullivan (39) after Douglas intercepted a pass in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns during their football game Saturday, December 25, 2021, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Samantha Madar/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Gpg Packers Vs Browns 12252021 0010
Rasul Douglas — 31 when the new season starts — would be a similar signing to what the Vikings have done in recent years: a veteran on a short-term deal to fill a gap. It’s not my preferred route, but it could be a decent fallback option if other avenues of interest don’t work out. Douglas has a knack for making plays on the ball, with 19 interceptions and 79 pass deflections in an eight-year career. Douglas had a challenging season in Buffalo last year but should still attract significant interest.
4. Charvarius Ward
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Charvarius Ward has been a good CB in Kansas City and, more recently, San Francisco for several seasons. A Pro Bowler in 2023, it was a difficult year for Ward both on and off the field. With CB teammate Deommodore Lenoir receiving an in-season extension, the 49ers appear willing to let Ward leave, and he should have plenty of suitors. As a veteran option who’s still only 29, the Vikings could do much worse.
3. Carlton Davis
Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
After six seasons in Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers traded Carlton Davis to the Detroit Lions last year, and he provided immediate stability to a young Detroit secondary. A similar role could await him in Minnesota, making him an astute signing. As with seemingly every Detroit defensive player last season, his season ended with an injury — a broken jaw in Week 15. At 28, there should still be plenty of football ahead for Davis, making at least a medium-term solution at the position.
2. Paulson Adebo
Stephen Lew-Imagn Images.
An intriguing option for Brian Flores to work with is Paulson Adebo, who was enjoying a good year before a broken femur knocked him out for the remainder of the season back in October. It was a nasty injury, and his recovery will be something teams will monitor. It came at the most unfortunate time, as the New Orleans Saints would soon trade away top CB Marshon Lattimore, which would have given Adebo the chance to test himself as the team’s CB1.
Good in coverage with three interceptions in seven games last season, Adebo also impressed as a pass rusher with a 91.5 pass rush grade from Pro Football Focus. This a skill set that Flores can certainly get the most from in his exotic blitz packages. Adebo would be a good signing, depending on his recovery timeline.
1. D.J. Reed
Florham Park, NJ July 19, 2023 — Cornerback, DJ Reed being interviewed as players arrived today to participate in the NY Jets 2023 Training Camp at their practice facility in Florham Park, NJ. © Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK.
The prized jewel of free agency — if there were one player I could choose that would land in Minnesota, it would be D.J. Reed. The lockdown CB the Vikings so desperately need on the perimeter, Reed should have plenty left in the tank at 28. Reed has had six straight seasons of 70.0-plus PFF overall grade, showcasing his consistency. He excelled in PFF’s advanced metrics, boasting a 51.28% lockdown percentage.
The dream scenario is that Kevin O’Connell and his team at CB would find a way to partner Reed with a returning Murphy. Creating the strongest CB lineup in Minnesota in years.
