Sportsnaut
Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah addressed several of the team’s top needs this offseason by reinforcing the trenches on offense and defense, plus adding a complementary running back to spell Aaron Jones. But the one area that largely got ignored was the cornerback room.
Sure, the Vikings did add Isaiah Rodgers, who’s emerged as a star talent while locking down a starting role. But the other signing, Jeff Okudah, hasn’t panned out. To no surprise, the Vikings still have a need for improved play at the cornerback position, like many other teams do too.
The NFL trade deadline, which passed on Tuesday, came and went without the Vikings flinching. No one was traded or added to the roster. But that doesn’t mean Minnesota’s front office isn’t trying to find an upgrade.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Vikings are now set to visit with free agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. The 26-year-old former second-round pick underwent a spinal fusion surgery in April but was recently cleared to play.
Now he’s considering his options and is set to meet with the Carolina Panthers first. Unless the Panthers sign him, Samuel plans to also meet with the Vikings and Green Bay Packers, though the exact order of operations is unknown.
Samuel is considered the top free agent cornerback available, and if the Vikings can get their hands on him, he could become a part of the organization for years to come. If so, he’d address a key need at a position that has long needed more stability in Minnesota.
He brings 47 NFL starts to the table, in which he’s compiled 176 tackles, 37 pass deflections, six interceptions, and a fumble recovery. The 5-foot-10, 180-pounder is the son of two-time Super Bowl champion Asante Samuel, who spent his first five seasons with the New England Patriots (2003-07), where he overlapped with Brian Flores, who started with the organization in 2004.
That connection could prove key to the Vikings having a chance to sign Samuel Jr, but like everything, it will likely come down to the role, money, and the team’s playoff chances.
Related: 2025 NFL Trade Deadline Winners and Losers: Colts, Cowboys + More
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