Minnesota Vikings Done Shopping for Safeties?

The free agent party really hasn’t stopped at TCO Performance Center, since the start of the negotiating period, last Monday. But the Minnesota Vikings — who’ve spent more money so far this offseason than any other team in the league, especially in the trenches — still have plenty of roster weaknesses remaining on both sides of the football.

On paper, one of the most obvious positions ripe for an upgrade before training camp is free safety. After the departure of Cam Bynum, who signed for $15 million per year with the Indianapolis Colts, that position appears to be wide open.

Given how the MN Vikings have operated, to this point in the offseason — determined to fill every hole on the roster — you’d think defensive coordinator Brian Flores would have GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah on the hunt for Harrison Smith’s next partner in crime, after the 37-year-old future Ring of Honor member (again) chose not to retire this offseason.

The only remaining free safety on the Minnesota Vikings’ roster currently, is 26-year-old former Tennessee Volunteer, Theo Jackson, who Kwesi & Co selected in the 6th round of the 2022 NFL Draft. But Jackson is a day three draft pick with ZERO starts under his NFL belt, which wouldn’t seem to fit the Vikings plan at starting safety… right?

Minnesota Vikings all set at safety for 2025…?

Wrong. According to both Kevin Seifert (ESPN) and Alec Lewis (The Athletic), the MN Vikings are ready to promote Theo Jackson into the starting lineup on defense. Thus, they do not appear to be on the lookout for more safety help, which is why they signed him to a 3 year, $9.3 million contract extension last offseason.

Jackson, who had impressive training camps in 2023 and 2024, is going to be a starter in 2025. The Vikings knew that Camryn Bynum was going to get offers beyond what they wanted to pay him at the position, knowing that fellow veteran Harrison Smith was likely to return for at least one more season.

Kevin Seifert – ESPN

The staff and players have felt strongly about Jackson for years. He impresses in practice and throughout training camp when the team gives him meaningful reps. He’ll likely have many of them this fall, occupying the deep safety spot next to Smith.

Alec Lewis – The Athletic

Clearly, the Minnesota Vikings do not view their 2022 No. 204th overall pick as a career backup, with a knack for special teams. Instead, they are telling reporters that Theo Jackson is their 2025 starting safety. And they must feel pretty good about that, because there are options out there and the Vikings have money to spend.

Jackson may not have any starts at the NFL level, through three seasons in the league, but he has plenty of playing experience, in that time. He played in all 17 games for the MN Vikings in 2024, but only got 79 snaps on defense. Jackson made his biggest impact on special teams, where he played 361 snaps.

Is Theo Jackson ready for this promotion?

In 42 career games, Theo Jackson has totalled a whopping 915 snaps on special teams and just 222 snaps on defense, according to Pro Football Focus. In that limited playing time, however, Jackson’s defensive PFF grades were pretty impressive, as are his special teams grades. He’s smart, good in coverage, and a willing tackler.

Related: Vikings O-Line Rental Lands Generous New Deal Elsewhere

Theo Jackson looked fantastic in run defense against the Raiders. He is hopefully someone that can be trusted as a sure tackler in the box. pic.twitter.com/LTvjuyNOhI

— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) August 13, 2024

Only time will tell whether or not Jackson comes out of training camp with the job, but that seems to be the plan, at least for now.