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The Minnesota Vikings have a problem going into the 2025-26 season, and now, they have a solution to that issue.
The Minnesota Vikings are trying to put all of the pieces in place to ensure that they rule the NFC North for the 2025-26 season, and they’re off to a good start following the NFL draft. Plus, of course, the Vikings finally have their new quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, back in the fold, who will be taking his first snaps in the NFL this season.
So, things are looking up for the Vikings, but there are still a few places where the team could improve. Notably, there’s a glaring hole in their lineup, and thankfully, the person who could fill that gap is available. It’s like wanting to be in a relationship and finding out that the perfect person for you is available and within reach.
One of the glaring issues with the Minnesota Vikings in 2025 is the team’s cornerback position. They have some new signings, but is that enough? Many don’t think it is. So, if the Vikings need to get another solid cornerback, the good news is that one is available.
Minnesota Vikings Need to Sign This Player
So, who should the Vikings lap up? In a piece published on Saturday, July 30, NFL.com’s Kevin Patra gave a solution to the issue at cornerback.
GettyHead coach Kevin O’Connell of the Minnesota Vikings watches action during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on September 29, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
He says free agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. is a great fit for the Vikings. It was Samuel Jr.’s dad who convinced him on this, too.
“The comments from Asante Samuel Sr. regarding Miami persuaded me to look elsewhere for a landing spot for his son. The Vikings fit the bill. Minnesota has questions at corner outside of Pro Bowler Byron Murphy,” he said in the piece.
He added, “Mekhi Blackmon is coming off a torn ACL sustained last July. Jeff Okudah has never lived up to his first-round draft billing and continues to bounce around the league. And Isaiah Rodgers has started 13 games in his career (missed all of 2023 due to suspension). The 25-year-old Samuel Jr. has his detractions, including questionable tackling, but could find a fit in Brian Flores’ system.”
He added that while “there are injury concerns with Samuel Jr., too (he missed 13 games last season),” that “the talent is there to take a swing.”
So, he has the talent. His last contract was around $7 million with the Chargers, so he wouldn’t cost too much, either. What do the Vikings have to lose?
The Vikings Have Little to Lose
In a piece published in The Viking Age on Saturday, Aug. 2, Anthony Miller agrees with this pick. He notes that “after not selecting a safety or cornerback high in the NFL Draft, many in the media have criticized the Vikings for not addressing one of those positions with a sure-fire starter.”
He adds, “One call to Samuel’s agent would solve that problem and give the Vikings exactly what is needed to be even closer to claiming the title of Super Bowl contenders.”
Well, let’s not get carried away, but giving a call to Samuel’s agent and locking him in would certainly give the Vikings an edge in an area that they’re lacking in right now. It’s at least worth a call and maybe the signing.
Anne Erickson is an award-winning reporter for Heavy Sports covering the NFL, NBA and college football. Anne Erickson has years of experience covering the NFL and additional sports, and her work has been published via ESPN, Fox Sports and more. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in sports, including Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Erickson also hosts several podcasts and is a Detroit-based radio host. More about Anne Erickson
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