The Minnesota Vikings have invested heavily this offseason, pouring $300 million into 14 new players through free agency in an effort to reshape their roster. Despite the aggressive spending, there’s still more work to be done.
With the roster now in a more stable position, the Vikings have the flexibility to select the best player available in the upcoming NFL Draft. However, free agency still offers potential value—particularly in the form of under-the-radar contributors who could provide depth and playmaking ability.
One name to watch is cornerback. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Las Vegas Raiders recently released the ball-hawking defensive back. Minnesota previously attempted to claim him off waivers but lost out to the Raiders due to waiver priority. Now that he’s back on the market, the Vikings may get another shot at bringing him in to bolster their secondary.
A 2022 fourth-round pick by the New England Patriots, has built a reputation as a playmaker with a knack for creating turnovers. A standout at USC, he led the Trojans with four interceptions as a sophomore in 2017, and that ball-hawking ability has translated to the NFL.
Over his three professional seasons, Jones has recorded seven interceptions. In 2024, his first year as a full-time starter, he notched three picks and 16 passes defensed—showing off his big-play upside. However, there are still concerns with his consistency in coverage. After allowing sub-70.0 passer ratings as a rotational player his first two seasons, he gave up a 115.8 passer rating last year, highlighting an area of his game that still needs refinement.
Despite the coverage issues, Jones’s playmaking skills make him an intriguing option for teams like the Minnesota Vikings, who could benefit from adding a high-upside corner to their secondary.
At 5-foot-11 and 188 pounds, Jack Jones is slightly undersized for the cornerback position, but he possesses the instincts that align well with what defensive coordinator Brian Flores looks for in his secondary. The Vikings, who value quick decision-making and adaptability in their corners, already took a similar approach by signing Isaiah Rodgers from the Eagles in March. Rodgers, like Jones, leans on speed and instincts rather than size and excels in off-man and zone coverage.
Jones fits that same mold and could step in as valuable depth behind Byron Murphy Jr., Mekhi Blackmon, and Rodgers. Minnesota also brought in Jeff Okudah this offseason—a former first-round pick who is better suited for press-man coverage—giving the Vikings a diverse mix of skill sets at corner. Adding Jones would enhance that depth with a proven playmaker who can contribute in sub-packages and step in if injuries hit the starting lineup.