The Vikings have agreed to a one-year contract with cornerback, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The 26-year-old, who was the No. 3 overall pick in the draft, had several offers, according to Schefter, but decided to join Minnesota after visiting the TCO Performance Center on Monday.
After a standout career at Ohio State, Jeff was selected as the third overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, following Joe Burrow and Chase Young. The Vikings, who picked Justin Jefferson at No. 22, were also part of that draft class. However, Okudah’s first few years were marred by injuries, including an Achilles tear that sidelined him for nearly the entire 2021 season. In his third season, he started 15 games for the Lions but struggled to meet the expectations that came with his high draft status.
Two years ago, the Lions traded Okudah to the Falcons in exchange for a fifth-round pick. While he started nine games for Atlanta, his coverage issues persisted. Last year, Okudah signed a one-year deal with the Texans, but injuries again limited him, as he played fewer than 100 defensive snaps.
Now, five years into his career, Okudah has had a much bumpier path than expected for a former star cornerback prospect from Ohio State. He has played in just 44 games, starting 31, and has two career interceptions. He will now look to revitalize his career under Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
For Minnesota, this move adds depth and competition to their cornerback group, which already includes re-signed Byron Murphy Jr., new additions Isaiah Rodgers and Tavierre Thomas, and 2023 draft pick Mekhi Blackmon, who is recovering from a torn ACL. Okudah, standing at 6’1″ and 205 pounds, provides added size and physicality to a group that includes smaller players like Rodgers and Blackmon.
This is a low-risk move for the Vikings, giving them the opportunity to see what Flores can unlock in Okudah, who possesses rare size and athleticism for the position. Okudah has been a strong run defender and tackler throughout his career, but coverage has been his Achilles’ heel. He has allowed a 66.3 completion percentage and a 106.3 passer rating on targets, according to PFF. If he can improve in this area, there’s a potential for him to earn significant playing time at outside corner in Minnesota’s defense.
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