Dec 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns security Ronnie Hickman (33) is launched previous to a sport in opposition to the Buffalo Payments at Huntington Financial institution Area. Obligatory Credit score: Scott Galvin-Imagn Photographs
The Minnesota Vikings’ protection was the spine of the workforce, holding the 2025 Vikings aggressive whereas the offense struggled all season. There have been some modifications to the unit this offseason, and there could possibly be room for yet one more transfer. Listed below are three Vikings commerce candidates to spice up the protection forward of the 2026 season.
Defensive Depth Might Grow to be Minnesota’s Commerce Focus
I lately wrote about Professional Soccer Focus’s number of Blake Cashman as a possible commerce candidate. The three gamers named right here seem in the identical article and are gamers the Vikings ought to be enthusiastic about in the event that they need to enhance their workforce.
Minnesota isn’t blessed with a ton of wage cap area, however that may be labored round in order for you it to. If the Vikings actually need to be aggressive in a troublesome division, listed below are three defensive gamers who could make a distinction.
Ronnie Hickman (S), Cleveland Browns
Oct 19, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns security Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) celebrates after intercepting a cross through the second half in opposition to the Miami Dolphins at Huntington Financial institution Area. Obligatory Credit score: Ken Blaze-Imagn Photographs
Security was one of many large areas of concern in Minnesota coming into the offseason, and there hasn’t been a lot accomplished to alleviate these considerations apart from drafting Jakobe Thomas within the third spherical of this 12 months’s draft. Including a participant like Cleveland’s Ronnie Hickman would give the workforce a stable starter who thrives on protection, and at a very good age to be a long-term resolution. Here’s what PFF says about Hickman and his commerce potential.
Though the Browns have been broadly lauded for assembling one of many league’s finest draft lessons, their rookie crop may need ripple results on somebody like Hickman.
The 24-year-old has been sneakily good since being an undrafted free agent out of Ohio State, producing a minimum of a 70.6 general PFF grade in yearly. In 2025 particularly, Hickman thrived in protection with a 75.3 PFF protection mark — the Tenth-best amongst certified safeties — whereas averaging a sound 29.0 snaps per reception.
After Cleveland drafted Emmanuel McNeil-Warren within the second spherical, it means that both Hickman or Grant Delpit isn’t within the workforce’s long-term future. Each are on expiring contracts, though Hickman looks like the higher commerce piece given his superior manufacturing and youthful age.
Jeremy Chinn (S), Las Vegas Raiders
Oct 1, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers security Jeremy Chinn (21) reacts after a sack within the second quarter at Financial institution of America Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports activities
Chinn is the extra veteran possibility at security with six seasons accrued within the league. He can be a stable possibility and would enhance the Vikings’ security unit, however he’s not the protection man I consider the workforce wants. Here’s what PFF says about his availability.
Chinn loved a resurgent season with the Raiders, however his future with the workforce may be unsure.
The previous second-round decide performed to a 67.7 general PFF grade in his first marketing campaign in Las Vegas, his finest since 2021. Chinn’s 69.5 PFF run-defense grade positioned within the 67th percentile on the place, and he missed a modest 9.9% of his sort out makes an attempt.
The Raiders made a splash once they chosen versatile Arizona defensive again Treydan Stukes with the thirty eighth general decide. Whereas Stukes could play everywhere in the secondary, he figures to be extra of a standard security contemplating the workforce additionally acquired slot nook Taron Johnson. Consequently, organizations might name about Chinn with only one 12 months left on his contract.
Jer’Zhan Newton (DT), Washington Commanders
Dec 22, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders defensive sort out Jer’Zhan Newton (95) jumps into the stands to celebrates with followers after the Washington Commanders beat the Philadelphia Eagles at Northwest Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Peter Casey-Imagn Photographs
Minnesota bolstered its inside defensive position on this 12 months’s draft, choosing each Caleb Banks (first spherical) and Domonique Orange (third spherical). So did Washington, and that might go away former second-round decide Jer’Zhan Newton accessible. Newton has struggled in run protection, however he has confirmed he could be an efficient cross rusher, and on the proper value, Brian Flores might make good use of him as a cross rush specialist. Right here is PFF’s lowdown on Newton.
The Commanders relentlessly fortified their ailing protection this offseason, together with alongside the defensive position. Nonetheless, that negatively impacts somebody like Newton.
The thirty sixth general decide in 2024 hasn’t blossomed as Washington would’ve hoped, notching a profession 50.0 general PFF grade with a 38.6 PFF run-defense grade. But what has been encouraging is Newton’s pass-rushing, as his 9.3% pass-rush win fee positioned within the 63rd percentile final 12 months.
The Commanders inked former Texans inside defender Tim Settle to a three-year, $25.5 million contract throughout free company, which solely pushes Newton down the depth chart. The 23-year-old former Huge Ten Defensive Participant of the 12 months might garner consideration for groups seeking to wager on his upside.
Of those three choices, Hickman can be the highest prize and the participant I’d most wish to see the Vikings pursue. Nonetheless, Newton would even be an intriguing possibility. It stays to be seen if Minnesota has any want to be within the commerce market.
Proud UK Viking. Household Man. Get pleasure from writing about my workforce. Away from soccer an advocate for autism acceptance.
