10 former Vikings players that could return for the 2024 season
By Adam Carlson
Potential returning Viking No. 4
Jayron Kearse, safety
Even if Harrison Smith winds up being a salary cap casualty for the Minnesota Vikings, adding a safety probably won't be a top priority this offseason. Camryn Bynum will return as a starter and Josh Metellus is making a big role for himself.
Behind them, former first-round pick Lewis Cine still has a lot to prove and Jay Ward can play corner or safety. However, if Minnesota wants an experienced safety to start next to Bynum to keep Metellus open to roam, Jayron Kearse could be an option.
After three seasons with the Cowboys, Kearse hits free agency. During his 2023 season, he had 72 combined tackles, four pass defenses, and 1.5 sacks, showing some of the versatility he offers in the secondary.
It will be interesting to see if Minnesota Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah pursues a safety in free agency if the team moves on from Harrison Smith or if he instead looks to the young players already on the roster.