The Minnesota Vikings have been one of the NFL’s most active teams this offseason—an expected move considering their cap flexibility and limited draft capital heading into April’s draft. Their aggressive approach in free agency has largely been met with praise, although some skeptics remain.
A major emphasis was placed on upgrading the defense. Third-year defensive coordinator Brian Flores worked closely with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to retain key veterans from last season, including cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. and safety Harrison Smith.
In addition to retaining talent, the Vikings added several impact players. They bolstered the interior defensive line by signing Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, two proven disruptors up front. At linebacker, they brought back a familiar face in Eric Wilson to provide dependable depth.
The secondary also got a boost with the addition of cornerback Isaiah Rodgers, giving Minnesota another athletic, instinctive option to complement their evolving defensive backfield. With a mix of returning leaders and fresh talent, the Vikings have laid the groundwork for a much-improved defense in 2025.
Minnesota Vikings release cornerback Nahshon Wright
Cornerback remains a clear position of need for the Minnesota Vikings, and it’s a safe bet that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and his staff will target reinforcements in the upcoming NFL Draft. Despite all the offseason activity, the secondary is still evolving — and it’s already resulted in some roster turnover.
The Vikings announced the release of cornerback Nahshon Wright. Minnesota had acquired Wright from the Dallas Cowboys last preseason in a swap for former second-round pick Andrew Booth Jr., who failed to live up to expectations in Minnesota. Wright, however, wasn’t able to carve out a role in the Vikings’ 2025 plans, and his departure opens up another spot in a cornerback room that remains in flux.
With Byron Murphy Jr., Mekhi Blackmon, Isaiah Rodgers, and Jeff Okudah currently headlining the depth chart, the Vikings are expected to continue reshaping the group—potentially with another high-upside draft pick later this month.
Nahshon Wright, a 2021 third-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys, followed a similar trajectory to Andrew Booth Jr.—both once-promising prospects who ultimately fell out of favor with the teams that drafted them.
During his three seasons in Dallas, Wright appeared in 32 games and made three starts. His most notable moment came in 2022 when he recorded his lone NFL interception. After being traded to Minnesota ahead of the 2024 season, Wright saw minimal action, appearing in just one game where he logged 15 special teams snaps against the Arizona Cardinals.
Now 27 years old entering the 2025 season, Wright is back on the market in search of a new opportunity. A former Oregon State standout, he had five interceptions, 64 tackles, and six pass breakups in college, showcasing the ball skills and length that once made him an intriguing draft prospect. While his NFL impact has been limited, Wright could still draw interest from teams seeking experienced depth or special teams help.
Cornerback depth still a need for Vikings
The Vikings parting ways with Nahshon Wright isn’t surprising — and honestly, it’s the right move. Like Andrew Booth Jr. before him, Wright just didn’t carve out a meaningful role, and it’s smart roster management to know when to move on rather than forcing a fit.
Still, Brian Flores’ cornerback room remains a work in progress heading into 2025. Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers project as solid starters, but the picture beyond them is murky. Mekhi Blackmon, who missed all of last season with a training camp injury, has potential, but with only 15 games and three starts under his belt, he’s still a bit of an unknown. Dwight McGlothern flashed some promise as an undrafted rookie in limited action, but expecting him to make the jump to starter might be a stretch at this point.
Jeff Okudah, once the No. 3 overall pick, is a wildcard. He has the pedigree, but five underwhelming years in the league — including injury struggles and inconsistent play — have cast serious doubt on his long-term upside. He’s started more than nine games just once and has never completed a full season.
With all that in mind, it’s hard to argue that cornerback isn’t still a need for Minnesota. Holding the 24th overall pick in this month’s draft, they’re in a good position to land a starting-caliber prospect if the board falls in their favor. Don’t be surprised if corner is near the top of their priority list come draft night.