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

The Minnesota Vikings are entering a pivotal point in their franchise’s history, as they look to further solidify their roster in preparation for the upcoming NFL season. After a promising season that saw their offense lead the way, the Vikings’ defense, particularly their secondary, showed vulnerabilities. Cornerback is a critical position that requires immediate attention for Minnesota, especially after some inconsistent play in the defensive backfield in recent years.

The Vikings already boast talented players like Harrison Smith and Patrick Peterson in the secondary, but they need to add youth and depth, particularly at the cornerback position. The 2025 free-agent market is ripe with potential upgrades for Minnesota, and the team will need to make savvy decisions as they look to improve on their defensive performance and challenge for a deep playoff run.

In this article, we will look at seven cornerbacks who could be valuable additions for the Minnesota Vikings in free agency. Whether they are experienced veterans, young emerging stars, or versatile players who could complement the existing defensive scheme, these cornerbacks could help the Vikings bolster their secondary and improve their chances of success.

1. James Bradberry (Philadelphia Eagles)

James Bradberry is one of the top cornerbacks set to hit the free-agent market in 2025. After a standout season with the Philadelphia Eagles, Bradberry’s stock has risen, and he could be one of the most sought-after cornerbacks in free agency.

Bradberry is a highly versatile corner who excels in both man-to-man coverage and zone systems, making him an ideal fit for the Vikings’ defensive scheme. His ability to lock down top receivers and make plays on the ball would give the Vikings’ secondary a much-needed boost. Over his career, Bradberry has consistently posted strong numbers, including multiple seasons with multiple interceptions and passes defensed. His leadership and experience would provide a stabilizing presence for a secondary that has seen significant turnover in recent seasons.

Signing Bradberry would immediately improve the Vikings’ cornerback group, allowing them to shift their focus to developing younger players while having an established veteran who can match up against the league’s top wide receivers.

2. Jamel Dean (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Jamel Dean is one of the most physically gifted cornerbacks on the market, boasting ideal size, speed, and athleticism for the position. At 6’1” and 206 pounds, Dean has the tools to match up with big-bodied wide receivers while also showcasing the agility to cover faster, smaller targets. His ability to disrupt passing lanes and his knack for generating turnovers have made him one of the most promising young corners in the league.

In his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dean has shown that he can be an elite cornerback, especially when paired with a strong pass rush. Dean has the length to play in press coverage, but his ability to stay with fast, quick receivers makes him a versatile weapon in any defensive scheme. The Vikings would benefit greatly from his skill set, particularly as they look to improve their cornerback depth and compete against the dynamic offenses of the NFC North.

Though he might come with a higher price tag due to his athleticism and ceiling, Dean’s upside and ability to be a key contributor on a high-level defense make him an ideal target for the Vikings, who could use a reliable cornerback for the future. Adding Dean to the secondary would give Minnesota a significant boost in both the short and long term.

3. Byron Murphy Jr. (Arizona Cardinals)

Byron Murphy Jr. has been a steady presence in the Arizona Cardinals’ secondary, demonstrating solid skills in both coverage and ball skills. Murphy is a quick, agile corner who excels in zone coverage and is capable of playing both inside and outside corner. With a good mix of physicality and finesse, he can handle a variety of receiver types and fit seamlessly into the Vikings’ defensive system.

Murphy’s ability to play in the slot is particularly valuable, as the Vikings could use someone who can defend against slot receivers and provide versatility within the secondary. His experience playing for a team with a historically weak defense has not hindered his ability to perform well in coverage, and his ball skills are above average. Over his career, Murphy has consistently posted respectable interception totals and has shown an ability to limit yards after the catch.

Signing Murphy would give the Vikings flexibility in their cornerback rotation and provide much-needed depth. He could help solidify the slot position, and depending on the development of other players, could also contribute as an outside corner in certain matchups. The Vikings should be able to land Murphy at a more reasonable cost compared to other top-tier free-agent cornerbacks, making him an appealing option for a team looking to address its defensive concerns.

4. Marcus Peters (Baltimore Ravens)

Marcus Peters has long been one of the more consistent cornerbacks in the league, known for his ball-hawking skills and ability to make big plays. Though Peters is entering the later stages of his career, he remains a valuable addition for a team looking for experience and leadership in the secondary. His history of making game-changing interceptions and providing lockdown coverage in key moments has earned him a reputation as one of the top playmaking corners of the past decade.

For the Vikings, Peters could offer a strong veteran presence to help guide the younger cornerbacks on the roster. His football IQ is off the charts, and he’s shown that he can still compete at a high level, even if his athleticism has slightly diminished in recent years. Peters would be a great fit for the Vikings if they’re looking for a cornerback who can contribute immediately, especially in situations where creating turnovers is a priority.

Peters would come with a more affordable price tag than some of the younger, more athletic corners on the market, making him an ideal candidate for the Vikings to target if they’re looking to add a solid veteran without breaking the bank.

5. Darius Slay (Philadelphia Eagles)

Darius Slay is another standout cornerback who could hit the free-agent market in 2025. The 2024 season saw Slay playing at an elite level once again, and his continued dominance in coverage makes him one of the top cornerbacks available. Slay is known for his ability to match up with some of the NFL’s top wide receivers and his knack for making timely interceptions.

As one of the premier cornerbacks in the NFL, Slay would be a game-changer for the Vikings. He brings elite cover skills and the ability to shadow top receivers with ease. His leadership and experience would be a huge asset for a young secondary like Minnesota’s, and his presence would elevate the defense to an entirely new level.

Although Slay may come with a significant price tag, his ability to shut down top-tier wide receivers and be a true No. 1 cornerback makes him worth the investment. For the Vikings, signing Slay would provide a sure-fire upgrade at the cornerback position and could be the difference-maker in close games.

6. Sean Murphy-Bunting (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Sean Murphy-Bunting has been an underrated cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and his performance in both man and zone coverage has earned him recognition as one of the better young cornerbacks in the league. Murphy-Bunting brings a blend of physicality and athleticism that allows him to compete with both quick and tall receivers. His ability to play in both the slot and on the outside makes him a versatile addition for any defense.

The Vikings could be particularly interested in Murphy-Bunting because of his ability to cover a wide variety of receiver types and contribute in different defensive schemes. He would be a good complement to players like Patrick Peterson, who is more of a traditional outside corner. Murphy-Bunting’s style of play would help to diversify the Vikings’ cornerback group, allowing them to cover multiple dimensions of opposing passing attacks.

If the Vikings can sign Murphy-Bunting at a reasonable cost, he could be an ideal target for a team looking to improve their secondary depth and add a young, ascending talent.

7. Kenny Moore II (Indianapolis Colts)

Kenny Moore II is an underrated cornerback who has consistently excelled in the slot for the Indianapolis Colts. Known for his quickness, tenacity, and high football IQ, Moore has established himself as one of the league’s top slot cornerbacks. His ability to cover smaller, quicker receivers and make plays in short-yardage situations is a crucial asset to any defense.

For the Vikings, Moore would be an ideal target to upgrade their slot corner position. Slot receivers have become an increasingly important part of modern offenses, and Moore’s ability to lock down these players would provide the Vikings with a significant advantage. His ball skills are excellent, and he’s always around the football, which is a trait Minnesota’s defense has lacked at times.

Although Moore’s contract demands may not be as high as some other top-tier cornerbacks, his effectiveness in the slot and leadership would make him a strong fit for the Vikings. Signing Moore would improve Minnesota’s ability to defend against both the passing and the run game, especially on third downs.

Targeting the Right Cornerback for the Vikings

As the Minnesota Vikings look to improve their defense in 2025, the cornerback position is one of the key areas of focus. With a variety of talented cornerbacks set to hit free agency, Minnesota has several viable options to choose from. Whether the Vikings pursue a proven veteran like James Bradberry or Darius Slay, or they target a younger, ascending player like Jamel Dean or Sean Murphy-Bunting, there is plenty of talent available that can help shore up the secondary.

Ultimately, the Vikings will need to consider both their immediate and long-term needs when pursuing a cornerback in free agency. Whether they want a No. 1 shutdown corner or a versatile player who can excel in the slot, these seven cornerbacks offer a range of options for the team. With the right addition, Minnesota could see a major improvement in their pass defense, which would go a long way toward making the team a serious contender in the NFC North and beyond.