Jeff Okudah
Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings have been incredibly busy during free agency thus far. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has focused on building up both the offensive and defensive lines. They have also brought back Byron Murphy Jr. and grabbed another new starting cornerback in Isaiah Rodgers.
Brian Flores lost two of his starting three cornerbacks from last year and the team needs depth. Mekhi Blackmon is returning from a season-ending injury, and Dwight McGlothern is still relatively raw. That leaves opportunity for more of a veteran presence.
Jeff Okudah visited the MN Vikings over the weekend, and now he’s got a new deal back in the NFC North.
Minnesota Vikings sign Jeff Okudah
In the 2020 NFL Draft Jeff Okudah was taken third overall by the Detroit Lions. His time there was hardly noteworthy as the former Ohio State Buckeye played just 25 games (22 starts) across three full seasons. He has been out of the division the past two years but is coming back.
Vikings and CB Jeff Okudah reached agreement today on a one-year contract, per @UniSportsMgmt CEO Kevin Conner. The 26-year-old Okudah had multiple options, but chose to return to the NFC North, this time with the Vikings to play for DC Brian Flores. pic.twitter.com/Kpio0LeWa7
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2025
Okudah has struggled to stay on the field over the course of his career. In 2023 with the Altanta Falcons he played just 13 games, drawing nine starts. An ankle injury forced him to miss time. Last year with the Houston Texas Okudah missed nine games with a hip injury. He has landed on injured reserve in three of his five professional seasons.
Related: Minnesota Vikings Free Agency Signings – 2025
The MN Vikings bringing in Okudah likely won’t stop them from targeting another starting caliber player at the position. Betting on Okudah to remain on the field, or make much of a difference seems far-fetched.
The Texans wanted to use CB Jeff Okudah as their slot CB in press man
Unfortunately he had one of those reps that breaks the coaches trust
In press man CB’s are supposed to hold inside leverage no matter what, Okudah instantly gives it up biting on an outside foot jab pic.twitter.com/SzDIIBGOaC
— Drew (@IndepthTexans) November 21, 2024
In six games last season, Okudah recorded just nine tackles. He added a single pass defensed, but hasn’t picked off a pass since 2022, and has just a pair of them over the course of his career.
It’s likely that Minnesota sees Okudah as a decent buy-low candidate that they may wind up getting something out of. The depth at the position was all but depleted after 2024 and building that up for 2025 had to be a focal point. Okudah will be 26 years old this season.
On just a one-year deal, Okudah could find himself doing pretty well in free agency this time next season if he can bounce back. The MN Vikings are taking a gamble, and the player is looking to cash in.
Cornerback room taking shape for MN Vikings
As things stand now Mekhi Blackmon would start for the Vikings alongside Isaiah Rodgers and Byron Murphy Jr. That’s probably not where Brian Flores wants the position to be. Okudah can bring some depth and push for starting time. He won’t rule out Minnesota using an early draft pick on a potential starter.
Right now the Vikings have the 24th overall pick in April’s NFL Draft. They picked up a third round compensatory selection thanks to Kirk Cousins. It’s possible that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah trades back and looks to generate additional draft capital. If he sticks and picks, then cornerback in the first round makes sense.
Related: Minnesota Vikings Fail to Find Trade Partner for Former 1st Round Pick
The Vikings clearly have done a good amount of work to refill the funnel in the secondary, but they have to improve. Only Jacksonville, Baltimore, and Tampa Bay gave up more passing yards than the Vikings did last season.
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