James Pierre gave the Minnesota Vikings exactly what they wanted in training camp on Wednesday, intercepting Kyler Murray on a deep ball before coming up limping after the play. The 29-year-old cornerback hasn’t practiced since, putting extra attention on a position that already had fans checking the depth chart twice.
He was the team’s first external free-agent signing, receiving a two-year, $8.5 million contract with a $2.5 million signing bonus and $3.7 million guaranteed. That commitment points toward a regular-season role on defense and coverage units if Pierre is healthy.
Jarod Washington joined the roster on Sunday, only days after Pierre left practice. Washington may simply be another camp body, though adding a corner days after Pierre left practice makes the injury worth monitoring.
James Pierre’s absence could test Minnesota Vikings’ cornerback depth
Pierre has built a useful NFL career since entering the league undrafted with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020. Across 95 games and 13 starts, he has 147 tackles, four interceptions, 22 passes defensed, five forced fumbles and two recoveries, including one touchdown.
Pierre posted career highs with 47 tackles and three forced fumbles in 2021, then set career bests with five starts and 11 passes defensed last season. Those numbers explain Minnesota’s investment. Byron Murphy Jr. leads the room, but Pierre’s size, perimeter experience and special-teams work give Brian Flores a dependable option when injuries or matchups reshuffle the secondary.
Washington gives Minnesota a developmental corner with legitimate college credentials. The 6-foot-2 rookie went undrafted out of South Carolina State after winning the2025 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year, and his length makes him a sensible developmental fit on the outside. Washington collected 35 tackles, two interceptions and 21 pass breakups last season, giving coaches useful tape.
Washington won’t automatically inherit Pierre’s role, of course, especially with veterans and younger corners already competing behind Murphy. His signing does give the coaching staff another long corner for practice reps while Pierre remains out, and every missed day matters when coverage assignments and special-teams jobs are being divided.
Washington spent the spring at rookie minicamps with the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so Sunday’s signing put him in his third NFL building in a matter of months.
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