Vikings eye Jeff Okudah: Can former No. 3 Pick reignite his career in Minnesota?

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Mar 17, 2025, 22:55 IST

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The Minnesota Vikings are considering signing cornerback Jeff Okudah, a former No. 3 NFL draft pick, to strengthen their secondary. Despite his injury history, Okudah has shown elite talent and could bring significant playmaking ability if he remains healthy. This move is part of the Vikings’ strategy to take calculated risks on high-upside free agents.

Vikings eye Jeff Okudah: Can former No. 3 Pick reignite his career in Minnesota?

Jeff Okudah (via: Getty Images)

The NFL free agency period is heating up, and the Minnesota Vikings are making waves by hosting former No. 3 overall pick Jeff Okudah for a visit. With the team looking to bolster its secondary, Okudah's potential arrival could be a game-changer. Despite an injury-plagued career, the talented cornerback still has the tools to make a significant impact if he can stay on the field.

Vikings show strong interest in Jeff Okudah

Former #3 Pick CB Jeff Okudah Visiting Vikings Today

According to reports from Alec Lewis of The Athletic, the Vikings have been monitoring Jeff Okudah for some time, drawn to his aggressive man-coverage skills and physical playstyle. The former Detroit Lions draft pick has shown flashes of elite talent but has struggled to maintain consistency due to injuries.
Last season with the Houston Texans, Okudah missed nine games due to a hip injury. Over his four-year NFL career, he has appeared in just 38 of a possible 68 games. While durability remains a concern, his ability to match up against top receivers makes him a compelling target for Minnesota’s secondary.

Vikings betting on high-upside free agents

The Vikings’ interest in Jeff Okudah aligns with a growing trend in their free agency strategy—taking calculated risks on talented players returning from injuries. Minnesota has already signed right guard Will Fries (broken tibia), defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (torn triceps), and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (torn pectoral muscle). Additionally, the team recently hosted wide receiver Rondale Moore, who missed all of 2024 due to a knee injury, for a visit.
By targeting Okudah, the Vikings are banking on his ability to revive his career in the right system. If he can stay healthy, he could provide much-needed depth and playmaking ability to a defense that must contend with high-powered offenses in the NFC.

Will the Vikings take the gamble?

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With free agency in full swing, all eyes are on whether Minnesota will seal the deal with Okudah. While his injury history raises concerns, his skill set and potential upside make him an intriguing option for a Vikings team looking to add firepower to its defense. If the move happens, it could prove to be one of the smartest under-the-radar signings of the offseason.

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TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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