The Minnesota Vikings are going to look quite different in the 2025 campaign. That’s largely because they have opted to replace Sam Darnold at quarterback with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, J.J. McCarthy. However, their defense also has seen some new faces brought to town, although there is still one big area of need ahead of training camp.
The position that the Vikings need help with is the cornerback spot, where Byron Murphy Jr. is really the only reliable option currently. The good news is that there are several veterans available on the free agent market who could be targets for Minnesota. So with that in mind, let’s check out three cornerbacks who the Vikings could look to sign in free agency.
3. Mike Hilton
An eight-year veteran, Mike Hilton has long been regarded as one of the top slot corners in the NFL. After spending four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, their various contract issues have forced them to move on from Hilton this offseason, although he hasn’t found a new home yet. Minnesota is arguably the most cornerback-needy team in the league, so a deal could be struck between the two sides.
Hilton isn’t the cleanest fit of this group, as Murphy is best when used in the slot, although he can play on the outside when needed. In 2024, Hilton racked up 73 tackles, one interception, and five passes batted, proving that even as he moves south of 30 years old, he can still be productive. Given his age and his fit as a pure slot corner, Hilton could probably be scooped up for cheap, but Minnesota should pursue the other two names ahead of him on this list first.
2. Asante Samuel Jr.
Asante Samuel Jr. enjoyed a productive first three seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers after being selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, but he ended up playing in just four games last season due to a shoulder injury. While the Chargers appear to be moving on from him, he’s still only 25 years old, meaning he could have a lot of upside down the line for Minnesota if they were to sign him.
In his last full season in 2023, Samuel racked up 63 tackles, two interceptions, and 13 passes batted for the Chargers, as he appeared set to be a long-term piece of their secondary. Instead, he’s still up for grabs for teams like the Vikings, and with a need at cornerback, it’s not too hard to see why a deal could make sense for both sides here.
1. Rasul Douglas
GettyRasul Douglas #31 of the Buffalo Bills reacts against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Buffalo Bills made some major changes to their cornerback room this offseason, and that involved moving on from Rasul Douglas. A former Super Bowl champion, Douglas isn’t necessarily a flashy option, but he’s a physical corner who can hold his own on the outside when playing without help over the top, which is precisely what the Vikings are looking for.
In his only full season with the Bills, Douglas had 58 tackles, five passes batted, and a fumble forced in 15 games of action. At 29 years old, Douglas could be a solution for the 2025 season and beyond, and while he may cost a bit more, he’d be an immediate plug-and-play option that could help fill Minnesota’s biggest area of need.
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