The Minnesota Vikings are likely to see a lot of turnover in the secondary this summer, but one semi-familiar face could end up joining the team.
Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus compiled a list of PFF’s top 15 defensive free agents and assigned each to the team that best fits them. Rasul Douglas, a Buffalo Bills cornerback who previously played for the Green Bay Packers, was voted No. 7 among defenders. Cameron called him the ideal defensive back to replace Minnesota cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
“Douglas encountered his fair share of obstacles in Buffalo, receiving a 58.9 coverage grade in 2024. However, his ability to create turnovers is obvious, as he had 14 interceptions in the previous three seasons,” Cameron noted. “As the Vikings try to replace Stephon Gilmore, Douglas offers a seasoned option on the outside. His skill set complements Brian Flores’ aggressive, blitz-heavy style, making him an excellent prospect to improve Minnesota’s secondary.”
Brian Flores is likely to return as Vikings defensive coordinator for a third season in 2025.
Following a second consecutive summer as a hot name among head coaching hopefuls, Flores appears to be returning to the organization as defensive coordinator.
While this is disappointing news for Flores, it is a windfall for the Vikings as they prepare for significant personnel changes. Cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. and safety Camryn Bynum are also probable secondary free agent departures, while long-time safety Harrison Smith, 36, may retire rather than return for his 14th NFL season.
Changing systems after two years under Flores would have likely put yet another stumbling block in Minnesota’s path to repeating its regular season success in 2024, so bringing Flores back is perhaps as important as retaining some talent familiar with his scheme and acquiring some new talent (perhaps Douglas) who can learn it quickly.
The Vikings offense may experience significant turnover.
It is not just the defense that might see significant changes at the top spots in Minnesota.
The headline topic on the offensive side of the football is who will play quarterback for the Vikings next season, Sam Darnold or J.J. McCarthy, and whether both will return for at least one more year in 2025.
Darnold enjoyed a great season, easily the finest of his seven-year career, with more than 4,300 passing yards and 35 touchdowns. However, his performance has increased his value in an offseason in which the free agent and draft QB supply is well short of demand.
However, McCarthy has yet to play a regular season snap in the NFL but has a significantly higher trade value than Darnold owing to the unknowns and the fact that he is five years younger and will be far less expensive annually over the next few years than Darnold.
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