Say Goodbye to a Popular Vikings Trade Idea
The Minnesota Vikings have been linked various times this offseason to Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II. Minnesota’s cornerbacks have been a concern for years, and the former high draft pick could be an intriguing option.
Say Goodbye to a Popular Vikings Trade Idea
That’s especially the case since the Vikings passed on corners in the draft.
The Browns Need Greg Newsome Now.
On Tuesday, however, the chance to trade for Newsome disappeared. Cleveland needs him now, as their intended CB2, Martin Emerson Jr., had an Achilles injury.
NFL Network‘s Mike Garafolo tweeted Tuesday, “Sources to me and Ian Rapoport: Browns CB Martin Emerson Jr. suffered what’s an Achilles injury in today’s practice. He’ll undergo imaging to determine the full extent of the injury but the expectation is it’s a significant tear.”
Suddenly, Newsome II is no longer the odd man out, but is needed opposite of Denzel Ward. A reunion with Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, who was part of the front office that drafted Newsome II in 2021, won’t happen.
It’s Jeff Okudah’s Job
For now, it is Jeff Okudah’s job in the Twin Cities. Byron Murphy Jr. re-signed with the purple squad after delivering a Pro Bowl campaign in 2024, and Isaiah Rodgers headed straight from the Super Bowl with the Eagles to Minnesota.
Okudah was acquired in free agency, too. After five years of injuries and underwhelming play, he will get another chance. The good news is that teammates and coaches trust him, for whatever that is worth.
Consider Justin Jefferson’s words from this offseason: “He has that speed … and he has that ability to really play-make and just be an annoying cornerback. That’s what I like to call those types of corners, ‘annoying cornerbacks,’ because they know how to be physical. They know how to get you off your route and not be able to have free access.”
Okudah has the size and the athleticism to be one of the better cornerbacks in football. There’s a reason why he was the third overall pick five years ago. He hasn’t shown it, though. The Vikings bet on unlocking his potential.
Darkhorse Candidates
If the Vikings aren’t happy with any of their top three guys, they could turn to a pair of unproven but hungry defensive backs.
Dwight McGlothern showed promise last training camp and in his debut preseason, but rarely got the chance to show his talent in the regular season. In this year’s camp, he has already made some plays.
The same can be said about rookie corner Zemaiah Vaughn. A tall and athletic defender, Vaughn has the skill set to make some noise, and that’s just what he has done since signing with the Vikings in April. Every time he gets a chance, he’s turning heads, whether that is in OTAs, minicamp, or training camp.
They will both try to claim a roster spot and continue to wait for their chance on the big stage.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.