The Minnesota Vikings exceeded expectations last season by winning 14 games and earning a spot in the postseason, but the team won't be the same in 2025 since several of the team's contributors are set to hit free agency.
Multiple cornerbacks are among the Vikings players who could possibly change organizations this offseason. Stephon Gilmore, Shaquill Griffin, Fabian Moreau, and Byron Murphy Jr. are scheduled to hit free agency. That leaves a big hole in Minnesota's roster.
Minnesota isn't without some corners on their roster. Mekhi Blackmon, Jay Ward, Ambry Thomas, Nashon Wright, NaJee Thompson, Dwight McGlothern, and Roddy Steward are under contract for the 2025 season.
None of those players listed are ready to be inked into a starting role, but Blackmon is probably the closest. The 25-year-old defensive back was a third-round pick of the Vikings in 2023 but spent the 2024 sidelined with a torn ACL.
Minnesota Vikings CB Mekhi Blackmon has reportedly been cleared to return to the field
KSTP's Darren Wolfson appeared on SKOR North's "Minnesota Sports with Mackey & Judd" on Thursday, and during the conversation, he shared a nugget about Blackmon.
Wolfson revealed that Blackmon is fully cleared and should be ready for the upcoming season. Having him available is a nice boost to a cornerback room emptying this offseason from players potentially leaving in free agency.
Blackmon started three games in 2023, but he appeared in a total of 15 games, playing 435 defensive snaps. In that action, he accumulated 41 combined tackles (three for a loss), one fumble recovery, and one interception.
The 5-foot-11, 178-pound defensive back has shown potential since arriving in Minnesota but should not be inked into a starting role upon his return unless he earns it in training camp and the preseason.
Minnesota should be active in free agency this year, with cornerbacks being near the top of their shopping list. The aggressive scheme run by defensive coordinator Brian Flores benefits from pressure up front, allowing the Vikings to get by without shutdown corners on the outside.
Blackmon is still a bit of an unknown, but having him ready for 2025 should make Minnesota fans happy. Although the team will likely have at least one free agent signing starting at cornerback, it is good to know there is some depth and experience on the roster in the defensive secondary heading into the upcoming season.