The Minnesota Vikings’ top priority this offseason, alongside resolving their complicated quarterback situation, will be addressing their future in the secondary.
Despite having former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore and newly named Pro Bowler Byron Murphy Jr., the Vikings finished 29th in passing defense last season. With both Gilmore and Murphy set to become free agents, along with safety Camryn Bynum, Minnesota faces a tough challenge, especially with Murphy likely in line for a significant contract. The team will need to find a way to strengthen their defensive backfield moving forward.
With limited free-agent cornerback options available next week, the Vikings may have to consider trading to acquire quality talent for their secondary.
One potential target is Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean, according to Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report. Moton suggests that the Vikings could trade for Dean to help their defensive back woes. The Buccaneers have $7.8 million in cap space and may look to move Dean, who is entering the final years of a contract with no guaranteed money remaining. Since signing his extension in 2023, Dean has missed nine games, recording 11 pass breakups and one interception. Tampa Bay might be willing to trade him for draft picks to ease their cap situation.
While not a superstar, Dean has been a solid starter since entering the league in 2019. His contract, with two years remaining on a $52 million extension, makes him a reasonably affordable option for teams like the Vikings, who have over $63 million in salary cap space. If Minnesota opts to re-sign quarterback Sam Darnold and other key players, Dean could offer a cost-effective alternative to Murphy. The Vikings could likely acquire Dean for no more than a fourth-round pick, making him a potential solution for their secondary.
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