The Minnesota Vikings are entering the 2025 offseason with a roster that has a few key areas to address. One of the most pressing needs is at the cornerback position. Although the Vikings have some talented young players in the secondary, they lack a true No. 1 cornerback, and the depth behind them remains a question mark.
The NFL’s free agency period offers an opportunity for teams to improve their rosters by signing established talent, and the cornerback market in 2025 is set to feature several intriguing options. With that in mind, here are seven cornerbacks the Minnesota Vikings could target to help bolster their defense and become more competitive in the NFC North.
—
### 1. **James Bradberry (Philadelphia Eagles)**
James Bradberry is one of the top cornerbacks set to hit free agency in 2025. After joining the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022, Bradberry became a key piece of their elite secondary, contributing significantly to their Super Bowl appearance. He has the size (6’1″, 210 lbs), experience, and coverage skills to excel as a No. 1 cornerback.
For the Vikings, Bradberry would immediately upgrade their secondary. With his ability to lock down top receivers and his solid ball skills (he recorded 17 interceptions in his career), he would provide the Vikings with a reliable veteran presence to pair with Cameron Dantzler or anyone they choose to bring in as a potential No. 2. Bradberry’s size and ability to play both man and zone coverage make him a versatile fit for the Vikings’ defense.
—
### 2. **Byron Murphy Jr. (Arizona Cardinals)**
Byron Murphy Jr. is a 5’11” cornerback with a reputation for being sticky in coverage and a playmaker in the secondary. Murphy has spent the first few years of his career with the Arizona Cardinals, where he showcased solid coverage skills, including the ability to shadow top receivers and make game-changing plays. Despite some struggles in his early career, his physicality and high football IQ make him an intriguing free-agent target.
For the Vikings, Murphy would be an excellent option to improve their pass defense. He would provide flexibility, as he can operate effectively in both outside and slot roles. With the Vikings potentially looking for a cornerback who can contribute immediately, Murphy would fit right in and help them elevate their secondary’s play, especially in key matchups against NFC North rivals.
—
### 3. **Jamel Dean (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)**
Jamel Dean is a physically gifted cornerback who has been a standout for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Standing at 6’1” and boasting 4.3-speed, Dean brings both size and speed, two traits that make him a dangerous force on the perimeter. Over the past few seasons, he has proven to be a reliable cover man, particularly in press coverage schemes.
The Vikings have struggled to match up with fast, physical receivers in recent years, and adding someone like Dean could provide an immediate boost. His ability to keep up with burners and win contested catches would make him a natural fit in Minnesota’s defense, especially in NFC North matchups where the Vikings often face big-bodied receivers like the Packers’ and Bears’ top weapons.
—
### 4. **Marcus Peters (Baltimore Ravens)**
Marcus Peters is one of the most experienced cornerbacks on the market, having played for several top-tier defenses throughout his career. Known for his ball-hawking abilities, Peters is one of the league’s most productive cornerbacks when it comes to interceptions. He has consistently led the league in INTs, and his aggressive style of play makes him a dangerous weapon in any defense.
For the Vikings, Peters would bring a veteran presence and a high level of awareness in coverage. While he may not possess the same level of speed as some of the younger corners, his football IQ, hands, and playmaking ability make him a strong fit for a team looking to create turnovers and make game-changing plays. His experience in big games would be a valuable asset for the Vikings as they aim to return to the playoffs.
—
### 5. **Darius Slay (Philadelphia Eagles)**
Darius Slay is one of the most established and respected cornerbacks in the league. His ability to shut down No. 1 receivers, read offenses, and step up in crucial moments has earned him a Pro Bowl selection multiple times. While Slay is on the older side of the cornerback spectrum (he’s currently 33 years old), his level of play has not diminished significantly, and he can still perform at a high level.
If the Vikings are looking for a short-term fix to boost their secondary, Slay could be the perfect addition. His experience and leadership could also be invaluable for a team with young cornerbacks like Dantzler. His aggressive playing style would mesh well with the Vikings’ defensive scheme, which values press coverage and creating opportunities for turnovers.
—
### 6. **Eli Apple (Miami Dolphins)**
Eli Apple has had an up-and-down career, but his play has been trending upward recently with the Miami Dolphins. Apple is a solid outside corner who possesses good length (6’1″) and decent speed, allowing him to match up with taller, more physical receivers. His consistency and tackling ability have made him an asset in both man and zone schemes.
The Vikings could benefit from Apple’s physicality and ability to stick with receivers at the line of scrimmage. While Apple may not be a shutdown corner at this point in his career, his experience and ability to defend the pass make him a solid option for a team looking to add depth to its cornerback room. He could provide the Vikings with solid starting ability or quality depth in a rotational role.
—
### 7. **Cam Dantzler (Minnesota Vikings – Re-Sign)**
Although not a free agent from another team, it’s worth mentioning that the Vikings might consider re-signing Cam Dantzler, who has shown flashes of promise throughout his career. The Vikings have a decision to make on Dantzler, who has shown the potential to be a strong corner but has also had issues with consistency. If Minnesota opts to move forward with him, they could bolster their secondary by signing another free agent to help alongside Dantzler, rather than looking for a complete overhaul at the cornerback position.
If Dantzler can step up and develop into a more reliable corner, he could be part of the long-term solution for Minnesota. But even if the Vikings choose to bring in another outside option, Dantzler’s potential for growth means the team might look to lock him up on a long-term deal.
—
### Conclusion
As the Minnesota Vikings continue to build for the future, adding a cornerback via free agency is a critical move. Whether they’re looking for an experienced leader, a young playmaker, or someone who can step in and compete right away, the free-agent market offers a wide range of options. James Bradberry, Byron Murphy, Jamel Dean, Marcus Peters, Darius Slay, Eli Apple, and even re-signing Cam Dantzler could all make significant impacts on the team’s secondary.
Ultimately, the decision will come down to what the Vikings prioritize: immediate impact, long-term stability, or depth. But with a few solid additions, they can create a more formidable defense that can compete in the NFC North and beyond.