VikesNow is sizing up all Minnesota Vikings position groups before training camp, which begins Sunday in Eagan and runs through the preseason. We analyzed the offensive line here on Saturday; now it’s time for the defensive secondary, a group waiting on Harrison Smith’s return-or-retire decision – – that he evidently may not expressly make at all.
Here are the defensive backs available to patrol the back end of Brian Flores’s defense
A Crowded Secondary — and That’s Okay
Byron Murphy Jr. (CB)
Murphy Jr. reached the Pro Bowl in 2024 for his dazzling performance, but he didn’t quite replicate his standout season in 2025. The man didn’t struggle; he just wasn’t as effective in Year No. 2 with the Vikings. He surrendered a 78.2 passer-rating-against last year, which is good enough for another round of CB1 duty in Brian Flores’s defense.
Isaiah Rodgers (CB)
The fastest player on the Vikings’ roster had a signature moment against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3 last year, dialing up one of the greatest individual performances in NFL history that included two defensive touchdowns. He finished his first year with the Vikings by banking a 73.8 Pro Football Focus grade and is back as the CB2 in 2026.
Rodgers signed a two-year deal in 2025 free agency; he’ll need an extension soon.
Josh Metellus (S)
Metellus had a down year in 2025, mainly because he played through a torn labrum. He may get his time to shine this go-around if Harrison Smith doesn’t return, on tap as the most experienced safety on the Vikings’ roster.
Slowly, Metellus is turning into one of the Vikings’ longest-tenured players – – it’s Year No. 7 for him, believe it or not.
Jay Ward (S)
The upcoming season is the last on Ward’s rookie deal. Like Rodgers, he’s playing for new money. Down the stretch of 2025, he took defensive snaps from Theo Jackson, and if that holds at 2026 training camp, Ward could actually start in September.
He’s an aggressive and feisty son of a gun; the Vikings need more like him.
James Pierre (CB)
The first external move of 2026 Vikings free agency? Signing Pierre from the Pittsburgh Steelers, who delivered an 86.8 PFF grade in 2025. He’s the “new Jeff Okudah” at CB3 and should be a magnificent upgrade. Pierre could also start if injuries bother Murphy Jr. or Rodgers.
Theo Jackson (S)
Not long ago, Jackson was the big hope as a replacement for Camryn Bynum, who left the franchise in March 2025. Jackson played decently in 2025, but the aforementioned Ward took his snaps late last season. His job should be safe entering training camp, but if Smith returns, the safety roster math could get iffy for Jackson.
Jakobe Thomas (S)
Minnesota traded Jonathan Greenard in late April, and from that exchange, it used one of the two 3rd-rounders to draft Thomas. Eventually – – if it hasn’t happened already – – the Vikings will need a replacement for Smith, and Thomas might just be the guy.
Charles Demmings (CB)
The Vikings haven’t drafted a cornerback with long-term staying power since Xavier Rhodes in 2013. Demmings is their latest stab at fixing the drought. He’s from Stephen F. Austin, and several draft pundits are high on his upside. He also has the prototypical cornerback swagger.
Tavierre Thomas (S)
Thomas is likely back with the Vikings for his special teams prowess. Depending on how many safeties Flores keeps on the September roster, Thomas can be considered a roster-bubble candidate.
Dwight McGlothern (CB)
An undrafted free agent in 2024, Vikings fans have whispered big plans for McGlothern, but he hasn’t busted out yet. The question for him at training camp is simple: 53-man roster or practice squad?
Kahlef Hailassie (S)
Hailassie was the guy during the 2025 preseason with all the interceptions. Those did not transfer to a regular season roster spot, but he’s back in the mix again this summer.
Zemaiah Vaughn (CB)
The 6-foot-3 Vaughn returns with rare length, 36 college starts and one NFL appearance, giving him a developmental advantage over Minnesota’s undrafted rookie corners.
Jacob Thomas (S)
Thomas offers Flores intriguing versatility after aligning in the box, at free safety, in the slot and along the defensive line during a 71-tackle, Second-Team All-Sun Belt season at James Madison.
Marcus Allen (CB)
Allen pairs a sturdy 6-foot-1, 197-pound frame with a 39-inch vertical after finishing his North Carolina career with 137 tackles, three interceptions and 22 passes defensed.
Da’Veawn Armstead (CB)
Armstead allowed only 26 completions on 44 targets during his final North Texas season, giving the well-traveled rookie a legitimate coverage résumé entering a crowded cornerback competition.
Tyreek Chappell (CB)
Chappell brings extensive SEC experience and consistent ball production after recording 143 tackles and 28 passes defensed across five seasons at Texas A&M.
VikesNow Projection for DBs on 53-Man Roster:
- Byron Murphy Jr. (CB)
- Isaiah Rodgers (CB)
- James Pierre (CB)
- Charles Demmings (CB)
- Josh Metellus (S)
- Jay Ward (S)
- Theo Jackson (S)
- Jakobe Thomas (S)
- Tavierre Thomas (S)
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VikesNow Verdict: Murphy, Rodgers and Pierre give Minnesota a credible top cornerback trio, while Metellus anchors a versatile safety room. The largest questions are whether Ward, Jackson or Jakobe Thomas can fill Smith’s role — and which developmental corner earns the final roster spot.
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