5 biggest needs for the Vikings in the 2024 offseason

Vikings Need No. 4

Cornerback

It seems like every year, cornerback is right at the top of the Vikings' needs list, and it will be again in 2024.

Minnesota simply lacks quality depth at this spot, and it can be argued about how good the top of their depth chart is.

If Brian Flores doesn't land a head coaching job and is back as the Vikings' defensive coordinator next season, he needs to have a true lockdown corner in his defense.

Byron Murphy played that role this year, and while he had ups and downs. But when he went out with his knee injury a few weeks ago, the defense took a nosedive.

Opposing teams began to pick on Akayleb Evans, who suddenly had to assume the role of CB1.

Evans wasn't anywhere ready for the challenge, and his play regressed so badly that he was benched in favor of undrafted rookie Jaylin Williams.

Mekhi Blackmon has had a solid rookie season, but he's better suited for the slot. The Vikings need to put Evans back on the bench and find an upgrade.

This could potentially come in free agency. Minnesota could try and steal Jaylon Johnson away from the Chicago Bears, or look at Kendall Fuller, Adoree Jackson, or perhaps La'Jarius Sneed from the Chiefs.

If the Vikings look to address this position early in the draft, then players like Kool-Aid McKinstry, Nate Wiggins, or Cooper DeJean could be considered.

Whatever Minnesota ends up doing, the cornerback position needs an upgrade at the top, bottom, and even middle.