5 biggest Vikings needs after the first wave of free agency in 2023
By Nik Edlund
![GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 01: Za'Darius Smith #55 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up prior to a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 01, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 01: Za'Darius Smith #55 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up prior to a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 01, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fthevikingage-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F08-2F1453660969-850x560-e7a32abf3b755340b578d9bee2a8cecf9f8b0a3969eb90f75e88197cbcd7e5ea.jpg)
Need No. 3
Cornerback
The Vikings did great signing Byron Murphy in the first wave of free agency. He is coming off a back injury but is a versatile cover corner who can play inside or out.
He’s also a violent hitter who loves making contact with the ball carrier. He’s set to be cornerback No. 1 for Minnesota in 2023, but it’s the depth behind him that is concerning.
The Vikings’ other cornerbacks are Andrew Booth Jr., Akayleb Evans, Tay Gowan, and Kalon Barnes. That’s it. Kwesi would be wise to sign one more veteran like a Rock Ya-Sin, JoeJuan Williams, Sean Murphy-Bunting, or even former Viking Mike Hughes to add some experience to the back end.
If they don’t add a veteran in the next couple of weeks, corner then definitely becomes a need the team could look to address at pick No. 23 in the NFL Draft. Players like Deonte Banks, Joey Porter Jr., and Cam Smtih could all be options.
The Vikings have already upgraded the cornerback position, but they are not yet finished. They have to find at least one more quality player to flesh out this unit and improve the overall talent level.