There isn't a team in the NFL that was as busy or as willing to spend the big dollars as the Minnesota Vikings were this offseason.
Spending roughly $300 million to offset the lack of draft picks helped the Vikings build what looks to be a solid team on paper. The defensive side of the ball got a lot of attention, with the secondary first taking some hits and losing Cam Bynum and Stephon Gilmore.
They brought in cornerbacks Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah this year to add depth behind Byron Murphy Jr., as well as Theo Jackson at safety. Rodgers has already received praise from his new head coach, Kevin O'Connell, and defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah made sure to give the other new cornerback signee some praise as well.
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah speaks highly about new Minnesota Vikings CB Jeff Okudah
Adofo-Mensah recently spoke with Paul Allen on KFXN-FM radio, where they discussed many topics, including the NFL Draft, J.J. McCarthy, and their free agent signings. While discussing Okudah, Adofo-Mensah praised him as a player who could immediately impact the team.
“Okudah is somebody we signed in free agency that we’re excited about. He’s as talented as anyone who got drafted last Thursday or Friday."
Okudah signed a one-year, $2.3 million contract with Minnesota this offseason after spending the 2024 season with the Houston Texans. He only played six games as he was placed on injured reserve for two months as he finished the year with nine tackles and one pass deflection.
The Detroit Lions selected Okudah in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, but he never materialized as the number one cornerback they were hoping he would be. After the 2022 season, the Atlanta Falcons signed Okudah, as he played 13 games in 2023. Okudah has 177 tackles, 14 pass deflections, and two interceptions in his NFL career.
All signs point towards Murphy, Rodgers, and Ambry Thomas being the starting cornerbacks, with Flores so high on Rodgers. Okudah will likely have to compete with Thomas and Rodgers for one of the starting spots if he wants to lock into the lineup. Josh Metellus also presents a challenge to Okudah for playing time.
Minnesota hopes to get production from Rodgers and Okudah after the team finished 28th in the NFL in pass defense, allowing 242 yards per game in 2024. The front seven has been solidified with signings like Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, and the recent extension of Andrew Van Ginkel.
Adofo-Mensah's backing of Okudah should give Vikings fans enough comfort in knowing things seem to be looking up in the secondary.