In free agency, the Minnesota Vikings may target Marcus Peters, Byron Murphy, James Bradberry, and seven more cornerbacks.

The Minnesota Vikings, coming off a challenging season in which they reached the playoffs but ultimately fell short in the postseason, are looking to bolster their roster ahead of the upcoming year. One of their primary areas of focus is the cornerback position. The Vikings’ defense, particularly their secondary, faced criticism in 2024 for its inconsistent play, leading to big performances from opposing quarterbacks and struggles in key moments. To address these issues, the Vikings are expected to pursue upgrades in free agency, and the cornerback market presents a range of intriguing options.

With the potential for changes in the cornerback room, the Vikings will be keen to find experienced and talented players who can immediately step in and make an impact. Among the many names on the market, there are several veterans who could provide immediate help. In this article, we’ll break down seven cornerbacks the Minnesota Vikings could target in free agency to help solidify their defense and elevate the team as a whole.

1. Marcus Peters – Baltimore Ravens (Veteran Leader)

Marcus Peters, a former first-round pick and one of the NFL’s most respected cornerbacks, would be a strong addition to the Minnesota Vikings’ secondary. Peters, known for his ball-hawking skills and aggressive style of play, has a track record of creating turnovers, which is something the Vikings defense could desperately use. Although Peters has been plagued by injuries in recent years, his ability to lock down receivers and make plays on the ball remains invaluable. His experience in high-pressure games would add a level of veteran leadership to the Vikings’ young secondary.

Peters has played his entire career with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections along the way. His ability to read the quarterback and anticipate throws is one of his defining characteristics. If the Vikings can keep Peters healthy, his playmaking ability and leadership could help elevate their defense in a division that continues to feature high-caliber offenses, especially with the rise of quarterbacks like Justin Fields and Jared Goff.

With a potentially affordable one-year deal, Marcus Peters would provide the Vikings with immediate impact while allowing the team to address other areas in the draft.

2. Byron Murphy Jr. – Arizona Cardinals (Proven Playmaker)

Byron Murphy Jr. is another top cornerback the Minnesota Vikings could look to target in free agency. Known for his fluid movement, ability to cover a variety of receivers, and knack for making big plays, Murphy is a well-rounded corner who has earned a reputation as one of the better young players at the position. Murphy has spent the entirety of his career with the Arizona Cardinals and has been a consistent starter for them since entering the league.

Murphy’s ability to excel in both zone and man coverage would fit well in defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ system, which often requires cornerbacks to play different techniques. Murphy is also effective in the slot, which is a position that the Vikings have struggled to solidify in recent years. With an aggressive, ball-hawking mentality and the ability to make plays in clutch moments, Murphy could provide an instant upgrade to the Vikings’ secondary.

At 25 years old, Murphy is still in the prime of his career, making him an attractive target for the Vikings. A multi-year deal for Murphy could give Minnesota a cornerback for the future while bolstering their defense in the present.

3. James Bradberry – Philadelphia Eagles (Proven Number 1 Corner)

James Bradberry is a well-known name in the NFL and a player that the Minnesota Vikings should have on their radar in free agency. Bradberry, who spent the 2024 season with the Philadelphia Eagles, has developed into one of the league’s top cornerbacks over the past few years. Known for his ability to shadow top receivers, Bradberry is a physical corner with excellent size and ball skills. He is particularly adept at getting his hands on the football, often creating turnovers at crucial times.

Bradberry was a key contributor to one of the best defenses in the NFL last season and could bring that same level of impact to the Vikings. His ability to play press coverage and handle number-one receivers would provide the Vikings with the consistency and stability they need at cornerback. Furthermore, Bradberry’s experience in big games—such as his time with the Eagles and his prior work with the New York Giants—could prove invaluable for a Minnesota team looking to take the next step in the playoffs.

With the Vikings looking for both immediate help and long-term stability in the secondary, Bradberry could be a great addition. Given his experience and success, he would likely come with a higher price tag, but he would also bring elite-level talent to the defense.

4. Jamel Dean – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Young and Talented)

Jamel Dean has been one of the rising stars at cornerback in recent years, and his ability to shut down wide receivers makes him an attractive free-agent target for the Vikings. Dean has been an integral part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense, bringing both physicality and speed to the position. His 6-foot-1 frame and long arms allow him to effectively challenge receivers at the line of scrimmage, and he is particularly strong in man-to-man coverage.

Dean’s high-end athleticism and ability to run with top receivers could be just what the Vikings need to combat some of the explosive offenses in the NFC North and the NFL as a whole. While he’s not yet a household name, Dean has shown flashes of brilliance and could be a long-term solution for the Vikings if they choose to target him in free agency. Given that he’s still relatively young, a contract with Dean would likely be a multi-year deal, giving the Vikings the opportunity to build their defense around his talents for years to come.

5. Sean Murphy-Bunting – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Versatile and Playoff Experience)

Another cornerback from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who could interest the Minnesota Vikings is Sean Murphy-Bunting. Known for his versatility, Murphy-Bunting is capable of playing both outside and in the slot. This adaptability makes him an ideal fit for defensive systems that require cornerbacks to cover multiple roles. His ability to adjust to different schemes would give the Vikings defensive flexibility and the chance to develop a more dynamic secondary.

While Murphy-Bunting’s consistency has been questioned at times, his high ceiling and ability to perform in clutch situations—especially in the postseason—are significant assets. He played a pivotal role in the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, showcasing his ability to step up in big moments.

If the Vikings are looking for a younger, less expensive option who could contribute immediately while developing into a key player over time, Murphy-Bunting fits that mold. His versatility and playoff experience would be valuable assets for the Vikings as they look to improve their defense.

6. Eli Apple – Cincinnati Bengals (Affordable Veteran Depth)

While not an elite shutdown corner, Eli Apple has become a reliable veteran option in the NFL. Having spent time with the New York Giants, Carolina Panthers, and Cincinnati Bengals, Apple has gained experience in different defensive systems, making him a versatile player capable of contributing in various roles. He played a significant part in the Bengals’ Super Bowl run in 2022 and continued to be a consistent presence for them in 2024.

Apple’s experience and toughness make him a good candidate for the Vikings if they are looking for affordable depth at the cornerback position. While he might not be the top-tier talent some of the other names on this list are, Apple can certainly hold his own in coverage and could be a solid rotational piece for the Vikings’ defense.

His price tag would likely be lower than other big-name cornerbacks, making him a cost-effective option if the Vikings want to address other needs while adding depth to their secondary. Apple is also a seasoned professional who can step in and contribute right away, providing valuable experience to a unit that could use more stability.

7. Darius Slay – Philadelphia Eagles (Elite Shutdown Corner)

Darius Slay, one of the premier cornerbacks in the NFL, could be an interesting, albeit unlikely, target for the Minnesota Vikings. While Slay is 33 years old, he has proven to be a top-tier corner who can still lock down the best wide receivers in the league. His combination of size, speed, and football IQ makes him one of the most difficult cornerbacks to beat in one-on-one coverage.

Although Slay is nearing the end of his career, he still has elite talent and could provide the Vikings with immediate shutdown ability in their secondary. The Vikings could target Slay with a short-term deal, similar to the one they gave veteran Patrick Peterson last season, as a way to bolster their defense for a playoff push. Slay’s experience in the NFC East, facing top quarterbacks like Dak Prescott and Jalen Hurts, could be a significant asset in the NFC North.

If the Vikings are looking for a high-impact player who can immediately elevate their defense, Darius Slay might be a worthy target. However, due to his age, his contract would likely need to be team-friendly to make sense for the long-term strategy.