One of the criticisms of the Minnesota Vikings in 2025 is the lingering concerns at cornerback and whether new signings like Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah can help the depth of the position.
NFL.com's Kevin Patra recently shared a solution to that problem at cornerback when he named free agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. as an ideal landing spot for the Vikings. It was the influence of Samuel's father that helped Patra be convinced the Vikings would be the best team.
"The comments from Asante Samuel Sr. regarding Miami persuaded me to look elsewhere for a landing spot for his son. The Vikings fit the bill.
Minnesota has questions at corner outside of Pro Bowler Byron Murphy. Mekhi Blackmon is coming off a torn ACL sustained last July. Jeff Okudah has never lived up to his first-round draft billing and continues to bounce around the league. And Isaiah Rodgers has started 13 games in his career (missed all of 2023 due to suspension).
The 25-year-old Samuel Jr. has his detractions, including questionable tackling, but could find a fit in Brian Flores’ system. There are injury concerns with Samuel Jr., too (he missed 13 games last season), but the talent is there to take a swing."
Asante Samuel Jr. would solve big issue for Minnesota Vikings entering the 2025 season
If it hadn't been for an early-season shoulder injury last year, Samuel might not even be a free agent as a four-year starter for the Los Angeles Chargers. He racked up 176 tackles, three tackles for loss, six interceptions, 37 pass deflections, and one fumble recovery in 50 games.
The Vikings already added two cornerbacks with Rodgers and Okudah in the offseason, so they could be secure in rolling with them. Both have been getting praised by Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, with Rodgers looking to be in line to start with Okudah as a backup.
Minnesota also has Murphy and Blackmon starting at cornerbacks. Murphy is a reliable starter who re-signed with the Vikings this offseason, while Blackmon is back from his ACL injury from last year.
Samuel would instantly come in and be the number one shutdown cornerback they need. He would be the young player in the secondary that the Vikings need as they prepare for life outside of Harrison Smith when he retires.
Last year's unit was ranked 28th in passing yards allowed, allowing 242 yards per game. The secondary was the primary focus this offseason.
Still, after not selecting a safety or cornerback high in the NFL Draft, many in the media have criticized the Vikings for not addressing one of those positions with a sure-fire starter.
One call to Samuel's agent would solve that problem and give the Vikings exactly what is needed to be even closer to claiming the title of Super Bowl contenders.