The Minnesota Vikings are going to attempt to do something the Detroit Lions could not. After losing some big names in free agency, Minnesota is signing up for the Jeff Okudah experience in the hopes of turning around the career of the former No. 3 overall pick.
The Vikings have agreed to terms with former Lions cornerback Jeff Okudah on a one-year contract. Considering how bad he was last season with the Houston Texans, Okudah is likely well aware of the fact that he needs to ball out in Minnesota if he wants to stay in the NFL.
Okudah reportedly had multiple offers, but the 26-year-old chose to go to the Vikings with the hope that defensive coordinator Brian Flores would be able to get him figured out. It's a reasonable gamble for Okudah to make, even after last season.
Vikings sign former Lions No. 3 pick Jeff Okudah
Okudah's time in the NFL was marred by some major injury problems, as he played just 10 games in his first two seasons and never managed to truly get in a rhythm due to his health. Still, he's managed to bounce around the league as a backup in the last few years.
PFF ranked Okudah as the 217th best cornerback in the league out of 222 qualified players, which doesn't require the most expansive football brain to see just how putrid he was with Houston. After seemingly turning a corner wth Atlanta, Okudah fell back to the bottom under DeMeco Ryans.
Flores may not be a miracle worker, but it makes sense for Okudah to go to a defense that was one of the best in the league despite lacking tons of highly-paid stars in key positions. Minnesota's weak secondary could help him get some reps if he managed to make a good first impression.
The Vikings know that Okudah won't be counted on to play any sort of important role this season, but they are seemingly intrigued by the possibility of what could be if the former Ohio State star plays like the top selection he was supposed to be before his body started to fail him.