Vikings Considered Potential Destination for Super Bowl Champion Cornerback
The Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback situation has been a major topic this offseason, but they also need reinforcements at cornerback. Ben Rolfe of Pro Football Talk predicts the Vikings could sign Detroit Lions cornerback III.
Minnesota may lose its top three cornerbacks to free agency.
Davis, 28, was originally a second-round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and spent six seasons there before being traded to the Lions in the 2024 offseason.
“The Vikings have multiple gaps to address in their secondary,” Rolfe noted on February 19. “They also need to strengthen positions like guard, running back, and the defensive line.
“The good news for Minnesota is their available cap space allows them to address these issues. Carlton Davis is an appealing option with a projected contract value under $14 million per year, which is significantly less than re-signing Byron Murphy at over $22 million annually. This could enable them to bring in multiple veteran cornerbacks.”
Davis is a talented player and had his best season in terms of quarterback rating allowed. However, his availability is a concern, as staying healthy will be crucial for him to be a reliable asset.
Carlton Davis III’s Durability Concerns Amid $41M Contract Projection
A Spotrac projection estimates Davis could land a three-year, $41.3 million deal, which may be too steep for the Vikings. With career earnings of $49.9 million, Davis has struggled with injuries, never playing more than 14 games in a season since 2020, when he won a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay.
In 2024, Davis appeared in 13 games but missed time due to a knee injury.
“Durability is the main concern with Davis,” Rolfe explained. “He has missed games every year, sitting out 13 total over the past three seasons.”
Last season, Davis recorded 56 combined tackles, 11 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 forced fumble. He allowed a 55.3% completion rate on 42 targets, ranking 18th among defenders who faced a similar workload, per Stathead.
Minnesota has $63.3 million in cap space this offseason, according to Over The Cap.
Vikings Secondary Set for Revamp Amid Carlton Davis Speculation
The Vikings’ secondary is in flux, with Murphy, Shaquill Griffin, and Stephon Gilmore all set to hit free agency. They return 2023 third-round pick Mekhi Blackmon, who missed 2024 due to a torn ACL.
Other options include Dwight McGlothern, a coaching staff favorite, and Reddy Steward, an undrafted free agent from the Chicago Bears. However, no other cornerback currently under contract for 2025 has played for Minnesota.
The team could also experience significant changes at safety.
Camryn Bynum’s free-agent status could depend on whether the Vikings prioritize re-signing Murphy. Veteran safety Harrison Smith may retire after 13 seasons, while Josh Metellus is likely in line for a raise as he enters the final year of his deal.
Beyond potential quarterback, running back, and offensive line changes, Minnesota may also undergo a defensive overhaul, making room for Davis in their plans.
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