Theo Jackson - Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings have made so many moves already this offseason that, if you’re using fingers and toes to count them, you probably phoned a friend for help already. Whoever is calling all these shots at TCO Performance Center fixed the offensive line defensive line before free agency officially started.
They also brought back their 2024 starting running back Aaron Jones, their best young cornerback Byron Murphy Jr and the anchor of their defensive secondary, Harrison Smith, among a number of other moves, all of which you can find in our catalogue of recent MN Vikings articles.
But one position the front office has yet to address, and one that they reportedly have no plans to upgrade, is free safety. Yes, they lost up-and-coming celebration coordinator/defensive back, Cam Bynum, this offseason. They were never going to pay him the $15 million per season he got from the Colts.
Minnesota Vikings determined to start Theo Jackson at safety
Theo Jackson - Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Instead of diving head-first into free agency, and signing a veteran with lots of games under his belt, like they have elsewhere, the Minnesota Vikings have decided to promote from within. According to multiple reports last week, including one from ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, head coach Kevin O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores are ready to hand the job to 2022 6th round pick, Theo Jackson.
Related: Minnesota Vikings Priority Draft Target Revealed
But on Monday, in a “way too early” power rankings article at ESPN (where the Vikings ranked No. 10), Seifert doubled down on his earlier report, diving deeper into just how confident the coaching staff is in how Jackson will perform atop the free safety depth chart. He writes that the Vikings “have every reason to believe he will be an effective starter”.
10. Minnesota Vikings
Way-too-early ranking: 10
Under-the-radar move: Re-signing safety Theo Jackson
Realizing they were going to lose incumbent starter Camryn Bynum in free agency, the Vikings got his understudy signed and locked down for the next three years. Jackson has been impressive in the past two training camps and in his limited defensive snaps. In exchange for a reasonable deal worth a little more than $9 million, the Vikings secured a replacement for Bynum who has given them every reason to believe he will be an effective starter. — Kevin Seifert
ESPN
Who is this new Vikings’ starting safety?
The MN Vikings signed Theo Jackson to a 3 year, $9.3 million contract extension last offseason, showing him just how serious they were about his future. In 43 games played, Jackson has a total of 47 tackles, 2 interceptions. 4 passes defended and one fumble recovery.
Whatever Seifert and other reporters are being told, it must be coming from someone pretty significant. Since, you know, Theo Jackson has never started an NFL game during his three-year career. An obvious starter would probably have more than 221 defensive snaps since 2022. In comparison, Jackson has played 875 snaps on special teams, in that same time.
Excited to see more from Theo Jackson in the Vikings' secondary this season and beyond. He's looked good when he's gotten opportunities on defense. A versatile safety who can line up at various spots in Brian Flores' defense and make plays. pic.twitter.com/DZ1z3v3iSW
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) March 6, 2025
Don’t get me wrong, I am not doubting Seifert’s reporting. I’m more so raising my eyebrow at this supposed decision. It just feels really early in the offseason to crown an unproven 26-year-old 6th round draft pick as your starting safety.
The Minnesota Vikings have plenty of money to spend. Maybe they’re being honest about their plans at safety, or maybe they have an eye on someone in the draft and don’t want anyone to know. It’s also possible that Brian Flores doesn’t value the free safety position in his defensive structure, like he does other positions.
Related: Minnesota Vikings Showing Interest in Speedy Baylor Wide Receiver
That would make sense, seeing as how the Vikings never got on the same page during negotiations with Cam Bynum. No matter how the next few months play out, the Vikings have clearly been impressed by Jackson. And they aren’t the only ones. PFF has loves him too, even in his limited opportunities.
Year DefSnaps PFFDef PFFCov ST Snaps(PFF Grade)
2024 78 79.2 77.1 338 (66.9)
2023 125 67.6 69.2 259 (86.4)
2022 18 85.0 79.3 274 (67.8)
PFF
Mentioned in this article: NFL Offseason Theo Jackson More About:Minnesota Vikings