Concerns surrounding the secondary of the Minnesota Vikings have continued to be a topic of discussion during the offseason.
The Vikings lost Stephon Gilmore, Shaq Griffin, Fabian Moreau, and Cam Bynum to free agency this offseason. They did add Jeff Okudah, Isaiah Rodgers, Tavierre Thomas, and Bubba Bolden in free agency. Minnesota also brought back Harrison Smith, Byron Murphy Jr., and Theo Jackson to for the 2025 campaign.
All these moves reflect what will be a different-looking secondary, which was ranked 28th against the pass in 2024, allowing 242 yards per game. One more signing at cornerback, though, could be the key to putting the secondary over the top, but it may not excite Vikings fans.
Minnesota Vikings named landing spot for former Las Vegas Raiders CB Jack Jones
Bleacher Report's Moe Moton recently went through the list of the top 10 free agents who are under 30 years old. Former Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones ranked ninth, with the Vikings being named one of two ideal candidates.
"If Jones focuses on making simple plays rather than spectacular ones, he can be a solid starting cornerback. However, his departure and benching at his previous spots are red flags. Still, Jones can be a serviceable veteran starter for a team that needs an experienced cover defender on the boundary.
The Minnesota Vikings haven't re-signed Shaquill Griffin or Stephon Gilmore. They added Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah, but over the last two years, Jones has started more games than both of those players combined.
Jones could be a veteran upgrade and spot starter in case cornerback Mekhi Blackmon needs extended time to bounce back from a torn ACL."
Last season was Jones's first full year as a starter, as he finished with 69 tackles, 16 pass deflections, three tackles for loss, three interceptions, and one pick-six in 16 games. The former fourth-round pick of the New England Patriots in 2022 has allowed a career completion percentage of 60.8% and a passer rating of 84.9.
The lack of starter experience is one concern for Minnesota, but Jones has had some success when on the field. He can be a moving piece between outside, slot, and safety in the secondary.
Bringing in Jones, though, might not be in the cards for him. Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has been very high on Rodgers this offseason as he looks to be in line to start with Murphy.
If the Vikings needed another cornerback, they could always look to bring back Gilmore or Griffin for one year. They know Flores' defense and have already shown success in the system so the learning curve won't be there.
Minnesota does need improvement in its pass defense in 2025, but does Jones do enough to move the needle? Maybe, but there is enough talent on the roster now to give them a chance before looking in free agency.