A big question heading into the 2024 NFL season for the Minnesota Vikings was if the team could improve on the production from their cornerback room. The Vikings ranked 24th in the league in passing defense last year, and addressed the needs this offseason by signing corner Shaquill Griffin who came over from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Vikings also had a promising talent in the 2024 draft class, selecting Kyrie Jackson from the University of Oregon. Unfortunately, Jackson would pass away after a car accident took his life and another at the start of July. Leaving the Vikings short a corner on defense to start off training camp.
After Training Camp started, during a 7-on-7 drill another cornerback would be sidelined, Mekhi Blackmon tore his ACL and will miss the 2024 NFL Season. The injury would leave the Vikings starters Byron Murphy Jr, Josh Metallus, and Shaquill Griffin, with backups Andrew Booth Jr, Akayleb Evans, and the recently signed Duke Shelley on the roster.
The Vikings may have to go an old route, they’re used to taking by signing a veteran free agent corner who can lineup right away and cover receivers. A couple available free agent options for the Vikings are Stephon Gilmore, Xavien Howard, and Adorree Jackson. The Vikings could also explore the option of calling teams and trading for a corner if teams have one available or would like to get a player off their payroll.
In a division that features offenses like the stable of pass catchers for the Green Bay Packers, the well oiled passing and rushing machine of the Detroit Lions, or the up and coming unit the Bears have put together this offseason, Minnesota will need experience and versatility in order to compete with these young, dynamic, and creative receiving threats in the NFC North.
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