The Minnesota Vikings enter the offseason with a ton of holes on the roster as a bunch of players are […]
The Minnesota Vikings enter the offseason with a ton of holes on the roster as a bunch of players are scheduled to become free agents in March. But that opens the door for some backups to clinch bigger roles. For every departing Everson Griffen, there’s an Ifeadi Odenigbo hidden in the depths of the roster who is waiting for his opportunity.
4 Vikings Candidates for Promotions in 2025
Odenigbo couldn’t fill the void Minnesota’s defensive leader left, but other players did. A guy like Adam Thielen got the opportunity to make a difference in 2016 and used his chance.
Besides the obvious players like J.J. McCarthy or Dallas Turner, who could grow into a more significant role in 2025? Here are four candidates.
1. Theo Jackson
Safety Theo Jackson has earned a ton of praise in his three years with the Vikings. He arrived in the Twin Cities following Lewis Cine’s devastating injury in 2022. Poached from Tennessee’s practice squad, Jackson has been a backup safety ever since.
In those three seasons, Jackson has played in 43 games, collecting 47 tackles and a pair of interceptions. He clinched the game against the Seahawks in 2024 when Harrison Smith had to sit out by picking off Geno Smith late in the contest.
Jackson is a restricted free agent. He should be expected to be back with the Vikings for a fourth season. Barring a surprise return of both Cam Bynum and Smith or the arrival of two other clear-cut starting safeties, Jackson will have a chance to earn a starting spot in Brian Flores’ defense.
2. Jalen Redmond
Defensive tackle Jalen Redmond went undrafted in 2023 and joined the Carolina Panthers. After failing to make the 53-man roster, he took a step back and competed in the UFL, where he dominated.
That pointed the Vikings in his direction, and they hired him in the 2024 offseason. Redmond had a stint on the practice squad, but Taki Taimani’s injury finally allowed him to enter the rotation on the underwhelming defensive line.
Ultimately, Redmond stole the starting job from Jerry Tillery and played 208 defensive snaps. In those plays, Redmond recorded 18 tackles and one sack, becoming a playmaker on the line. If the Vikings once again miss out on any big-name signings, expect Redmond to play a significant role in 2025.
3. Dwight McGlothern
Cornerback Dwight McGlothern is in a situation comparable to Jackson’s. The cornerback room is empty. There are a bunch of practice squad guys and 2023 draft pick Mekhi Blackmon. Byron Murphy, Stephon Gilmore, Shaq Griffin, and Fabian Moreau ‒ the five guys who were ahead of him on the depth chart ‒ will all be free agents.
McGlothern, an undrafted rookie out of Arkansas, played an excellent preseason and earned some buzz in training camp. He barely played any snaps in his debut season, but when he did, he continued to showcase his talent.
It all depends on how many acquisitions the Vikings will make at the cornerback position.
4. Taki Taimani
Another defensive tackle and undrafted rookie, Taki Taimani, earned a roster spot in training camp. Just like McGlothern, he had an outstanding preseason.
Taimani is a true run-stuffer, an immovable force on the defensive line who can prevent blockers from getting to the second level. Early in his rookie campaign, Taimani played snaps ahead of seventh-rounder Levi Drake Rodriguez and Redmond, showing how much the coaching staff valued him.
An injury forced him to sit out half the season. He was close to returning to the playoff game and might have returned to the lineup in the divisional round. Taimani has a chance to become the team’s top-ranked run-stopper other than Harrison Phillips.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
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
