Vikings Add a Cornerback on Wednesday
The Minnesota Vikings have spent the majority of their free agency attention on the offensive and defensive lines, strengthening both units. Kevin O’Connell will be happy about better pass protection, and Brian Flores can adjust his scheme now that he finally has some interior pass rushers.
Vikings Add a Cornerback on Wednesday
On the defensive side of the ball, the secondary desperately needed some reinforcements. Byron Murphy Jr. was re-signed to a lucrative contract, and Super Bowl winner Isaiah Rodgers was acquired. Depending on future acquisitions, he will compete for the CB2 role.
The franchise announced the addition of cornerback Tavierre Thomas. They noted on social media, “Adding more pieces. The Vikings have agreed to terms with DB Tavierre Thomas.”
Thomas was an undrafted rookie in 2018. Out of Ferris State, the defender signed with the Cardinals, but he was waived after his first preseason. The Browns signed him, and he immediately played for them, making his debut in Week 1.
Thomas stayed in Cleveland for three seasons and then signed a two-year deal with the Houston Texans and extended his contract for a third year.
He spent the 2024 campaign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Thomas has competed in 98 career games and made 22 starts for three franchises. He has carved out a nice role as a depth cornerback and special teamer. In his career, Thomas has played 1,668 defensive snaps and 1,869 on special teams. The special team help is needed in Minnesota after Trent Sherfield Sr. departed for Denver.
Despite the departures of Stephon Gilmore, Shaq Griffin, and Fabian Moreau, Minnesota’s cornerback room now looks like this:
- Byron Murphy Jr.
- Isaiah Rodgers
- Mekhi Blackmon
- Tavierre Thomas
- Dwight McGlothern
- NaJee Thompson
- Reddy Steward
- Kahlef Hailassie
- Nahshon Wright
- Ambry Thomas
Murphy Jr. will obtain one starting spot; the other one could go to Blackmon or Rodgers. More help could be on the way, though.
Thomas has tabulated two interceptions, forced six fumbles, and made 239 tackles in his career.
He turned 29 on Tuesday.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
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Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt