During the 2024 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings stocked their cupboards with good, young players.
Among them was former Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy and Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner, both in the first round.
In the fourth round, Minnesota selected Oregon corner Khyree Jackson.
All three picks were projected to get significant playing time in 2024 and each was expected to plug a significant hole in their respective positions.
Unfortunately, Jackson and two others passed away suddenly in early July when the vehicle they were in was clipped by another car.
The collision sent Jackson (who was a passenger) and his friends off the road and into tree stumps, killing all three instantly.
Then, just days ago, the Vikings lost another cornerback when second-year player Mekhi Blackmon tore his ACL in practice.
According to “The Purple Persuasion,” the loss of both players has left Minnesota GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah looking for an “impact” free agent.
Several names have been mentioned as possible candidates.
They include Patrick Peterson (who played with the Vikings in 2021 and 2022 and with Pittsburgh last season), Stephon Gilmore, and Xavien Howard.
Gilmore has played with five teams during his NFL career, most notably with New England from 2017-2021.
During that time, he was a four-time Pro Bowler and NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 after co-leading the league with six interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns.
Since 2021, Gilmore has played for Carolina, Indianapolis and Dallas and his best days are in the rearview mirror.
Howard was a second-round pick of the Dolphins in 2016 and twice led the NFL in interceptions, including 10 in 2020.
He was released by Miami in March.
