The Minnesota Vikings have been known for having stellar defenses over the last few years, but last year's secondary took a hit and continues to feel those effects entering the 2025 season.
CBS Sports writer Josh Edwards wrote about every NFC team's biggest remaining position of need entering training camp. Edwards says the Vikings have to focus on adding depth at safety and potentially linebacker as well.
"Safety, linebacker and cornerback are all on similar footing, as the Vikings could use one new starter at each position. In the case of cornerback, they retained Byron Murphy Jr. and signed Isaiah Rodgers, but the coaching staff seems to be higher on the Rodgers addition than maybe he has proven to this point in his career. At safety, Harrison Smith is 36 years old and Camryn Bynum signed with Indianapolis in free agency."
Examining the concerns over the Minnesota Vikings' depth on defense
Smith can still play at a high level at safety, but age is starting to catch up with him, and retirement could be around the corner. Josh Metellus gives Minnesota at least someone to build the secondary around, as he has been starting over the last two years. However, he is playing for a new contract extension this season.
The problem lies in the fact that beyond those two, the Vikings don't have the strongest options. Theo Jackson and Jay Ward are the best they have at second string, but neither guy inspires much confidence from the fan base.
There was criticism surrounding the fact that the Vikings did not get a safety in the NFL Draft to sit behind Smith. Instead, the team will have to wait until next offseason or pay up to make a move this season for someone outside of the organization.
Linebacker was also mentioned as a position of interest due to depth concerns. The Vikings selected Kobe King in the draft and re-signed Eric Wilson, which should solidify the inside linebackers. Off the edge, Minnesota is hoping for a strong 2025 campaign from last year's first-round pick, Dallas Turner, as he rotates in with Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel.
As long as Rodgers ends up being the guy that Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores believes he can be, the cornerback position should also be fine. Mekhi Blackmon is back from his ACL injury, and Murphy is there in the starting lineup. Jeff Okudah was the other significant offseason addition at cornerback, who is a perfect depth player.
The Vikings will be able to hold up this season defensively, but they will eventually have to address the safety position, which the offseason next year feels like the most appropriate time to do it.