The Minnesota Vikings have made another significant move in bolstering their secondary, signing cornerback Jack Jones, who was recently released by the Las Vegas Raiders. Jones, a former fourth-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2022, had previously caught the Vikings’ attention when he was waived earlier in the offseason. Despite missing out on Jones when the Raiders claimed him, the Vikings now have the chance to bring him into their defensive unit, continuing their efforts to strengthen their roster ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
Jones’ addition comes after a productive, albeit inconsistent, stint in the NFL. After being drafted by the Patriots, Jones quickly made a name for himself as a ball-hawking cornerback, displaying an impressive ability to intercept passes. In his three seasons in the NFL, Jones recorded a total of seven interceptions. Last season, as a full-time starter for the Raiders, he picked off three passes and added 16 passes defensed. His knack for creating turnovers has made him a valuable asset, but his coverage skills remain a work in progress, as evidenced by his 115.8 passer rating allowed in 2024.
Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 188 pounds, Jones may be smaller than some of his counterparts in the secondary, but he possesses excellent instincts and quickness. These qualities are highly valued by the Vikings, especially under the leadership of defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Jones’ style of play aligns with Flores’ preference for cornerbacks who rely on speed, anticipation, and physicality rather than relying solely on size. With his playmaking ability and instincts, Jones could fit seamlessly into the Vikings’ defensive scheme.
The Vikings have already made significant changes to their secondary this offseason, including the signing of former Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Isaiah Rodgers. Like Jones, Rodgers is known for his speed and ability to create turnovers, often thriving in off-man and zone coverage. With the addition of Rodgers and Jones, the Vikings now have a cornerback group that is not only deep but also equipped with players who excel in coverage and generating turnovers.
Beyond Jones, the Vikings have also re-signed Byron Murphy Jr., who will lead the cornerback depth chart, and Mekhi Blackmon, a promising young player. The addition of Jones gives the Vikings more flexibility in their defensive backfield, providing depth and competition at the cornerback position. Additionally, former first-round pick Jeff Okudah, who was signed in free agency, offers a different skill set with his physical press-man coverage style.
With the NFL Draft approaching, the Vikings are expected to continue building on their offseason moves. While they are poised to select the best player available, Jones represents a valuable acquisition for the Vikings, giving them a versatile cornerback with big-play potential. Whether as a backup or rotational player, Jones could help the Vikings improve their defense and provide added depth to their secondary as they look to make a push for the playoffs in the 2025 season.
