If Minnesota stays true to recent draft trends, Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman remains a frequent name linked to the Vikings, with analysts suggesting he could offset an aging core and pair with a developing defensive back group. Thieneman’s versatility and ball skills make him a candidate to contribute in multiple roles for Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
Meanwhile, the cornerback position remains a focal point as the team has historically filled this vacancy with short-term veterans. The 2021 and 2022 seasons saw Patrick Peterson step in, and Stephon Gilmore joined in 2024, illustrating Minnesota’s willingness to plug gaps with veteran options while developing younger players.
Free agency has also offered a potential internal option: Trevon Diggs, formerly of the Dallas Cowboys, has drawn attention as a value, low-risk signing. Analysts consider Diggs a buy-low candidate who could rebound with a fresh start, particularly in a defense that finished among the league’s best despite inconsistent high-end corner play.
Diggs’ market value is modest for a one-year, high-upside move, making him attractive to a team with limited cap space and several premium draft picks to allocate to other needs, including cornerback and safety. Minnesota’s ongoing rebuilding of the secondary could make a short-term signing like Diggs appealing while they pursue longer-term solutions through the draft.
Analysts continue to link the Vikings to Thieneman as a potential long-term fit at safety, possibly replacing Harrison Smith in the near future. Kiper has suggested Thieneman would fit well in Flores’ scheme, with the prospect of lining up all over the formation to maximize takeaways and ball skills.
Overall, Minnesota appears prepared to evaluate both veteran stopgaps and young talent at cornerback and safety this offseason, aiming to balance immediate improvement with long-term sustainability in the secondary. The forthcoming draft and free-agent market will be pivotal in determining how the Vikings reshape their defensive backfield for 2026 and beyond.
