The Minnesota Vikings could target these seven cornerbacks in free agency.

As the NFL enters the offseason, the Minnesota Vikings have a few key needs to address if they are to remain competitive in a tough NFC North and secure their position as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. While their offense, led by Kirk Cousins, Justin Jefferson, and Dalvin Cook, has been prolific, the team’s defense has shown inconsistencies throughout the season. In particular, the cornerback position stands out as a critical area that could use improvement.

The Vikings’ pass defense has been a significant concern in recent years, and as they approach the 2025 season, finding a reliable cornerback or two in free agency could be the key to shoring up their defense. With Patrick Peterson (who has since left the team) and other veterans getting older or departing, the Vikings will need to upgrade at the position with the goal of competing at a higher level.

This report explores seven cornerbacks who could be prime targets for the Minnesota Vikings during the 2025 NFL free agency period. These players vary in age, skill set, and experience but all bring the potential to improve the Vikings’ defensive backfield.

1. Jamel Dean – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The first cornerback that could be an ideal target for the Minnesota Vikings is Jamel Dean of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Dean, a 6’1”, 206-pound cornerback, has been one of the most underrated players in the league over the past few years. His combination of size, speed, and ball skills makes him a prototypical outside corner in today’s NFL.

Why the Vikings should target Dean: The Vikings’ secondary needs a physical, playmaking corner, and Dean fits that mold. Over the past few seasons, he has shown excellent ability to cover top receivers and track the ball in the air. With Kirk Cousins and the offense putting up big numbers, the Vikings need to ensure they can stop opposing teams from scoring quickly, and Dean’s ability to match up against top-tier receivers would go a long way in improving the defense.

Dean’s versatility to play both man and zone coverage would also help adapt to defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ evolving scheme. His ability to contest deep balls and provide strong run support is exactly what the Vikings need in their secondary.

Estimated Market Value: As one of the top free-agent cornerbacks, Dean could command a significant contract. However, if the Vikings can make the financials work, they would be able to add an immediate starter in the secondary.

2. Byron Murphy Jr. – Arizona Cardinals

Another intriguing name on the free-agent market is Byron Murphy Jr., a standout cornerback from the Arizona Cardinals. Murphy, who has spent his entire career with the Cardinals, has consistently shown that he can be a top-tier cornerback in the NFL. His ability to read the game and his natural instincts make him a strong asset in coverage.

Why the Vikings should target Murphy: The Vikings need a cornerback who can be a true No. 1 on the outside. While Murphy has primarily played in the slot, he has shown the ability to be effective both inside and outside. This gives the Vikings the flexibility to move him around based on the situation, something that would be valuable in Brian Flores’ aggressive defensive system.

Murphy’s durability and consistent playmaking ability would greatly benefit the Vikings, especially as they continue to evolve their defensive game plan. His ability to intercept passes and his knack for breaking up critical plays make him a solid fit for the Vikings, who need to create more turnovers to help their offense.

Estimated Market Value: Murphy could be looking at a market value similar to Dean, as his playmaking ability and youth would command a strong price in free agency.

3. Marcus Peters – Baltimore Ravens

If the Vikings are looking for a proven veteran who brings leadership and experience, Marcus Peters could be a prime target. The Baltimore Ravens cornerback is known for his ball skills and aggressive style of play, having made multiple interceptions throughout his career. Peters is one of the top ball hawks in the NFL, making him a game-changer in pass defense.

Why the Vikings should target Peters: The Vikings’ defense has been known to struggle in creating turnovers, especially interceptions, over the last few years. Peters’ ability to create turnovers would immediately bolster the Vikings’ secondary and help them flip field position more frequently. His experience and familiarity with big games could also bring some veteran savvy to the locker room, something that could be invaluable as the Vikings push for a deep playoff run.

Peters’ aggressive style fits with the “attack” mentality that Flores is likely to instill in the defense, and his presence would make opposing quarterbacks wary of throwing in his direction. While Peters is on the older side at 31 years old, his skill set is still elite, and he could be a short-term solution to strengthen the Vikings’ secondary.

Estimated Market Value: While Peters might not command a long-term deal at his age, his ability to be a difference-maker would make him worth a one- or two-year contract.

4. James Bradberry – Philadelphia Eagles

James Bradberry, the Philadelphia Eagles cornerback, has been one of the top players in his position for the last few seasons. At 6’1” and 210 pounds, Bradberry is a big, physical corner who can cover all types of receivers, whether fast, tall, or crafty. His ability to mirror receivers and track the ball in the air makes him a top target in free agency.

Why the Vikings should target Bradberry: Bradberry is an excellent fit for the Vikings due to his physical style of play and his experience in playing against some of the top offenses in the NFL. He has shown throughout his career that he can be an elite lockdown corner. His experience in the Eagles’ defense and his ability to play both zone and man coverage would translate well to what the Vikings are trying to build under Brian Flores.

Bradberry would immediately become a starter on the outside and help solidify the Vikings’ cornerback depth. His ability to shut down top receivers would allow the Vikings’ defense to be more aggressive in other areas, knowing they can trust Bradberry to handle his side of the field.

Estimated Market Value: Bradberry should command a solid contract in the $12-15 million per year range, making him one of the higher-end free-agent cornerbacks available.

5. Cameron Dantzler – Minnesota Vikings (Re-Signing)

One of the more interesting possibilities is the re-signing of Cameron Dantzler, who was part of the Vikings’ secondary before his departure in the previous season. Dantzler has shown flashes of being a quality corner in the NFL and could potentially return to the Vikings for a more prominent role.

Why the Vikings should target Dantzler: Dantzler’s familiarity with the Vikings’ system could be an asset if the team decides to bring him back. The Vikings already know what they have in Dantzler, and his ability to cover larger, more physical receivers makes him a solid piece in the Vikings’ defensive puzzle. He is a player who can compete with anyone on the outside, and the familiarity with the coaching staff could make for an easy transition back.

Estimated Market Value: Dantzler likely would come at a much lower cost than other top cornerbacks, making him a more affordable option.

6. Darius Slay – Philadelphia Eagles

Another name to consider for the Vikings’ cornerback position is Darius Slay, one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. Slay is a veteran who has played at a high level for many years, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. Known for his ability to shut down the league’s best wide receivers, Slay brings consistency and leadership to the secondary.

Why the Vikings should target Slay: As a Pro Bowl-caliber player, Slay is known for his ability to cover top receivers in the NFL. He is a ball hawk with excellent coverage skills, and his experience could provide immediate leadership in the Vikings’ secondary. Pairing him with young talent could help elevate the defense as a whole.

Estimated Market Value: Slay may demand a significant contract, but his ability to make an immediate impact and be a top-tier corner for a playoff contender makes him worth the investment.

7. Jonathan Jones – New England Patriots

Jonathan Jones, a cornerback for the New England Patriots, is known for his quickness, versatility, and exceptional ability to cover slot receivers. As a smaller cornerback (5’10”, 190 lbs), Jones’ agility allows him to cover smaller, quick receivers in the NFL’s high-paced offenses.

Why the Vikings should target Jones: If the Vikings are looking to upgrade in the slot, Jonathan Jones would be a perfect addition. His ability to cover quick, agile receivers in the slot and his overall defensive awareness would make him a great fit under Brian Flores’ system, which often requires cornerbacks to be dynamic and able to cover multiple positions. Jones’ ability to create turnovers and play fast is an asset the Vikings could use.

Estimated Market Value: Jones should come at a more affordable rate compared to some of the other big names on this list, making him a possible bargain for the Vikings.

Cornerback Options for the Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings’ cornerback position is one of the team’s most pressing needs as they look to improve defensively for the 2025 season. From a physical shutdown corner like Jamel Dean to a versatile slot option like Jonathan Jones, the team has several excellent options in free agency. Whether they are looking to bring in a proven veteran, a rising star, or a mix of both, these seven cornerbacks could help the Vikings get back to their defensive-minded roots and become a more well-rounded team.

Given the Vikings’ aspirations to compete at the highest level, it’s essential that they make the right move in free agency. Adding the right cornerback — or even multiple cornerbacks — could be the key to ensuring their defense complements their potent offense and ultimately pushes them deeper into the playoffs in the years to come.