The Minnesota Vikings demonstrated their ability to adapt last season, making adjustments at the cornerback position before the year even began. With similar uncertainty looming this offseason, the team may look to free agency to strengthen their secondary, and Charvarius Ward could be a prime target.
Ward, who will turn 29 in May, has spent the last three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. In 2023, he delivered an outstanding performance, earning Pro Bowl recognition after leading the league with 23 pass deflections and recording five interceptions. He also played a key role in the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory following the 2019 season.
Despite a down year in 2024, where he defended only seven passes and had no interceptions in 12 games, Ward remains a highly regarded player. Football analyst Aaron Schatz pointed out that while his performance dipped last season, he was one of the league’s top cornerbacks in 2023, ranking 26th in coverage DVOA. Schatz believes Ward still has a couple of strong seasons left in his career.
Ward is coming off a three-year, $40.5 million deal with San Francisco and has earned approximately $46 million throughout his career. However, his free agency plans might not align with Minnesota’s needs.
In 2024, Ward totaled 54 tackles and seven pass deflections but did not record an interception for the first time since 2020. His season was also impacted by injuries, as he missed time due to knee and hamstring issues. Additionally, he endured personal tragedy with the passing of his one-year-old daughter. Reports from The Athletic suggest that Ward is looking to play closer to Texas, where his family resides, as he seeks a fresh start away from California.
Although Minnesota is geographically closer to Texas than California, other teams are even nearer. The Vikings, however, can present a compelling case by offering a competitive roster and a strong defensive system. The Athletic ranks Ward as the best available cornerback in free agency and the 10th-best free agent overall.
The Vikings’ approach to free agency will depend heavily on their quarterback situation, with Over The Cap projecting them to have around $63 million in cap space. The team is also working to re-sign Byron Murphy Jr., a key cornerback entering free agency. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Minnesota hopes to retain Murphy, as well as address other needs in the secondary.
Currently, Shaquill Griffin is also a free agent, and no other cornerbacks from the Vikings’ 2024 roster are under contract for 2025. With only four picks in the upcoming draft, Minnesota will need to be strategic in how they address their defensive needs this offseason.
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