5 free-agent safeties the Vikings could sign in 2022

Marcus Maye

2021 Team: New York Jets

Marcus Maye is a much more reasonable option for the Vikings to target, as he will likely not have a high price tag after missing most of 2021 with an Achilles injury.

Maye flies under the radar nationally as he has been playing for the Jets his entire career, but has been a great safety for them. In his last healthy season in 2020, he was PFF’s fourth-best safety.

Only paying six million for a possible top-end safety could be a steal for Donatell’s defense. He has been stellar in both coverage and run defense, which the Vikings could find very valuable.

Maye has spent more time at free safety but has shown the versatility to be in the box or even in the slot. Pairing his ability to move around with Harrison Smith’s ability to do the same could prove for a fun season in Minnesota’s secondary.

I touched earlier on Bynum’s potential, and signing Maye on a one-year deal could help bridge Bynum into the full-time starter in 2023. Bynum could also start early in the year if Maye is not yet healthy.

While we don’t know how much Minnesota will prioritize safety in free agency, this signing would be my personal favorite among the seven.