Vikings floated as home for ex-Packer (what could possibly go wrong?)

   

The Minnesota Vikings have some question marks on their cornerback depth chart after Byron Murphy, so it felt possible they'd come out of the 2025 draft with one. But alas, ultimately having just five picks led to it not happening.

While reporting Asante Samuel Jr.'s camp has tried to get him to the Vikings during an appearance on SKOR North earlier this week, KSTP's Darren Wolfson also pointed toward the eventual addition of a veteran cornerback, even if it's not for "weeks upon weeks down the road." An easy point of reference is the signing of Stephon Gilmore last August.

Free-agent cornerback Rasul Douglas

So it might be a while before the Vikings do something to add a cornerback, if they do anything, but there will be an experience-rooted void until then. A reunion with Gilmore or Shaquill Griffin will be in play as long as one or both are available.

Ryan Smith of Pro Football Focus has a fresh list of best available free agents, with top landing spots for each.

Cornerback Rasul Douglas is on the list, with the Vikings as his proposed landing spot.

"Douglas is coming off a disappointing season in which he ranked 102nd out of 116 qualifying cornerbacks with a 53.9 PFF overall grade. He was strong the previous three years, earning a career-best 81.0 PFF overall grade in 2023.

The eight-year veteran has been a ballhawk in the NFL, recording at least seven pass breakups in six different seasons and picking off 14 passes from 2021-2023. Durability is a positive in Douglas’ game, as well. He has averaged 984 snaps per season since 2022.

The Vikings will need to replace Stephon Gilmore, and Douglas is a natural fit in defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ aggressive, blitz-heavy scheme. Minnesota had just five draft picks in the draft, and none were used on a defensive back, suggesting the team was confident it could address its cornerback depth through free agency."

Douglas has gotten some recent interest from the Miami Dolphins, but nothing has come to fruition there yet. As for why he's still available, he will turn 30 in August, and he is undeniably coming off a rough 2024 season with the Buffalo Bills.

As Smith noted though, Douglas was very good in each of the previous three seasons with at total of 14 interceptions and 40 pass breakups. He was with the Green Bay Packers for two-plus seasons before being traded to the Bills, so the Vikings got a close look at him.

Was last year an anomaly for Douglas, or the start of his decline phase? That's the question any team with potential interest has to weigh, along with accounting for his scheme fit and projected role.

In a broad sense the Vikings should have some interest, but it's worth wondering if the agendas for a move will line up if they're going to willingly wait to sign a veteran corner.

Nhung Nguyễn -
The Latest

Broncos Legend Fired Up Over Explosive New Addition for Bo Nix-copy

Sport -7 giờ

In the NFL, all the interwoven narratives and draft-day subplots are nearly as compelling as the final picks teams make. When you follow the trail of recent evidence, the Denver Broncos' approach to their 2025 draft picks reflected a team that ...

Broncos Legend Fired Up Over Explosive New Addition for Bo Nix

Sport -7 giờ

In the NFL, all the interwoven narratives and draft-day subplots are nearly as compelling as the final picks teams make. When you follow the trail of recent evidence, the Denver Broncos' approach to their 2025 draft picks reflected a team that ...

Chiefs predicted to trade star WR to make room for rookie

Sport -7 giờ

The Kansas City Chiefs are always making moves at wide receiver. They clearly want Patrick Mahomes to be happy and have the best chance to be successful. Brooks: Jalen Royals is my favorite mid-round WR selection from 2025 'Path to the Draft' That's ...

Seahawks’ loaded defense ranked among top 10 in NFL after the draft

Sport -7 giờ

The Seahawks will look a lot different on offense this coming season compared to 2024. Meanwhile, an NFL analyst has high hopes for their defensive unit.   Here’s a look at the key defensive numbers for the Seattle Seahawks in 2024, Mike Macdonald’s first ...

Las Vegas Raiders have a UDFA who has a legit chance at becoming a starter on the 2025 roster

Sport -7 giờ

So far, John Spytek has done a great job of putting together a roster for the Las Vegas Raiders entering the 2025 season.  When you look at what he has done with free agency, the 2025 NFL Draft, and the post-draft ...