Vikings special teams coordinator Matt Daniels (left) and head coach Kevin O’Connell (right)
The Vikings made an appearance on Pro Football Focus’s recent publishment. This piece covered the top landing spots for the best cornerbacks in free agency.
Minnesota will be CB-needy come free agency. Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers Sr. are the only names that are truly “known” amongst the general NFL fanbase. They are the only corners on the 2026 payroll that aren’t former UDFA’s.
The name may not turn any heads, but he has been a reliable veteran in the slot for several years now.
Vikings Named Top Landing Spot for CB Mike Hilton
GettyNASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – DECEMBER 15: Mike Hilton #21 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates an interception against the Tennessee Titans in the second quarter at Nissan Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Along with Trey Hendrickson, Hilton was one of the lone bright spots on a terrible Bengals defense in 2025. Hilton will be 32 when free agency takes off, the main issue with Minnesota potentially bringing him on.
PFF explained why this could be a good fit for Hilton.
“While Mike Hilton saw limited time on the field in 2025, his overall profile suggests he has far more to contribute in the right situation. Hilton could step in and man the slot role to a high level. Evidenced by his 76.3 slot PFF coverage grade since the start of 2023 — the seventh-highest mark in the NFL over that span.
Additionally, the veteran cornerback could be used as a versatile weapon in blitz packages. He has been in previous stops with the Bengals and Steelers, with whom he generated seven or more pressures in each full season of his career. ”
They also explained how it could help Byron Murphy Jr. “Murph” is seen as a slot-corner. However he has actually been better on the outside. He had a 49.3 PFF grade when covering in the slot in 2025. If Hilton were to come in, Murphy Jr. could stay outside where he has played better in his Vikings tenure.
Minnesota Needs to Make Decision on Jordan Addison
GettySEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 22: Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates with Jordan Addison #3 after Addison scored a touchdown in the first quarter of a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 22, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The Vikings have by May 1st to make a decision on Jordan Addison’s fifth-year option.
Joe Nelson of Sports Illustrated put it beautifully when discussing the complexity of picking up Addison’s option. It’s an interesting spot, given the team’s needs elsewhere and Addison’s legal troubles.
Addison is also due for an extension within the next two years, so Minnesota has a big decision coming with him. Do they trade him this offseason? Do they sign him to an extension when his value might be a bit lower after a rough 2025 season and his third arrest within three years?”
Nelson also mentioned the fact that Jefferson is on the 2026 books for over $38 million. Minnesota is in cost-cut mode, with pressing needs all over the defense.
The Vikings would owe Addison some real money if they pick up the option. Nelson reports that it would put the Vikings in line to pay him roughly $17.9 million guaranteed in 2027. Addison is on the 2026 books for roughly $4.4 million with $2.6 million guaranteed.
Brevan Bane Brevan Bane is a sports scribe covering the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals. Brevan began his writing career by making a platform on Twitter and leveraging his presence into writing and content creation opportunities for outlets like PurplePTSD, Vikings Territory, The Noise, Hockey Wilderness, and the VikesNow YouTube channel. You can follow him on X @brevmanbane. More about Brevan Bane
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