The Fresh Wave of Vikings Ready to Start on Defense

Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Theo Jackson (25) tackles Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) during the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports. Believe it or not, the Minnesota Vikings effected some change to a defense that ranked second-best in the league last season per EPA/Play and DVOA. The Minnesota Vikings’ defense will feature some new faces as starters, and these are those men. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah used internal promotions and free agency to secure newcomer starters. And these are those players listed in alphabetical order. Jonathan Allen (DT) Taking Who’s Job?Jonathan Bullard Allen spent his entire career to date in Washington, and after reaching the NFC Title Game with the Commanders last season, he decided to make a change. Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Jonathan Allen (Alabama) is selected as the number 17 overall pick to the Washington Redskins in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports. That benefited the Vikings, a club that hasn’t prioritized the defensive tackle spot for years. They got really serious about it in 2024 free agency — alas. Allen recorded 42 sacks in eight seasons, commendable for a non-EDGE pass rusher. Allen is also a two-time Pro Bowler (2021, 2022). Javon Hargrave (DT) Taking Who’s Job?Jerry Tillery Fan rejoiced about the addition of Allen for a few minutes on March 11th, and Adofo-Mensah signed Javon Hargrave soon after. Those who requested a keynote defensive tackle for multiple offseasons finally had their wishes granted. Sep 12, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (91) defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (97) defensive end Brandon Graham (55) and defensive end Josh Sweat (94) celebrate after Hargrave sacked Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports. Hargrave, a two-time Pro Bowler, is older at age 32 but reached a Pro Bowl as recently as 2023. He tore his tricep last year, causing him to miss 14 games. He’s usually a healthy player throughout his career and is dependable enough for at least 7 sacks, which is phenomenal for a defensive tackle. PurplePTSD’s Janik Eckardt added context this month about Hargrave’s arrival: “All about cost, folks. The stud defensive tackle arrived on a relative bargain deal. He’s costing just $30 million across a pair of seasons (in the NFL, making $15 million annually can be considered modest, a wild reality for the overwhelming majority of humanity).” “The defender stands at 6’2″ and weighs 305 pounds. Drafted back in 2016 at No. 89, the veteran has nine years of NFL experience and 130 games played. He only played in a trio of games last season, an unfortunate reality given that he was dealing with an injury. The previous pair of seasons (2022 & 2023) involved piling up a total of 18 sacks.” Before the tricep tear last year, Hargrave rarely missed games due to injury. Eckardt added, “Splitting the middle in 2025 — putting up 9 sacks while (ideally) generating pressure with great frequency — would mean Mr. Hargrave is more than earning his deal with the Vikings.” “Oh, and one more bonus: since Javon Hargrave was cut by his previous employer, the defensive tackle didn’t factor into the compensatory pick formula. Again, all about value.” Theo Jackson (S) Taking Who’s Job?Camryn Bynum Camryn Bynum did not stick around this offseason, skedaddling for a fat contract provided by the Indianapolis Colts. The Vikings didn’t panic by spending big in free agency at safety; they promoted from within. That led them to Jackson, who has been endorsed by virtually all his teammates as a baller. Isaiah Rodgers (CB) Taking Who’s Job?Stephon Gilmore Rodgers won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles last season, playing a part-time role in Vic Fangio’s defense. Jan 9, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers (34) breaks up a pass intended for Buffalo Bills wide receiver John Brown (15) during the second quarter of an AFC Wild Card game at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports. When on the field, Rodgers performed commendably, suggesting he could handle a starter’s workload elsewhere. That elsewhere is now the Vikings, and the speedy cornerback is poised to take over Stephon Gilmore’s job from last year. He’s also playing on a team-friendly deal at $15 million over the next two years. Wildcard: Mekhi Blackmon (CB) Blackmon earned a wildcard mention because, in theory, he could swipe Rodgers’ job this summer or secure an assignment as a slot cornerback. Nov 12, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (5) celebrates his interception against the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports. The USC alumnus played spectacularly for a rookie in 2023 but tore his ACL at 2024 training camp. Now, he’s back, and it wouldn’t be odd for him to assume a starter’s snaps.