Tennessee Titans vast receiver Mason Kinsey works upfield after a catch throughout a joint follow with the Minnesota Vikings on Aug. 16, 2023, in Eagan, Minnesota. Vikings security Theo Jackson closes in on the play as the 2 golf equipment continued preparations for the preseason. The session featured a number of aggressive workforce drills and situational work. Obligatory Credit score: Andrew Nelles-USA TODAY Community.
The NFL was rocked by two ginormous trades on Monday, with EDGE rusher Myles Garrett heading to the Los Angeles Rams and vast receiver A.J. Brown, alas, touring east to the New England Patriots.
Within the backdrop, Bleacher Report sized up essentially the most tradeable participant for every NFL workforce, and for Minnesota, security Theo Jackson bought the nod.
Vikings’ Security Battle May Create a Commerce Opening
Minnesota Vikings security Theo Jackson strains up earlier than the snap throughout an NFC Wild Card playoff sport towards the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. On Jan. 13, 2025, Jackson contributed to Minnesota’s defensive rotation because the Vikings tried to comprise the Rams’ passing assault in a postseason matchup in Glendale, Arizona. Obligatory Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Photographs.
BR: Vikings Ought to Commerce Jackson
Moe Moton of BR landed on Jackson because the Vikings’ best commerce candidate, explaining, “Theo Jackson made our list of potential cut candidates after the Minnesota Vikings selected safety Jakobe Thomas in the third round of this year’s draft. Jackson is among the Vikings’ trade candidates for the same reason.”
“Moreover, he could garner interest from the Washington Commanders, who hired Minnesota’s former defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator, Daronte Jones. Working directly under Jones, Jackson made strides as a downhill defender, logging 47 tackles (three for loss) and two sacks in 14 contests.”
One 12 months in the past, Jackson was thought of the direct substitute for Camryn Bynum, who vamoosed in 2025 free company to the Indianapolis Colts.
“However, Jackson gave up too much ground in coverage, allowing a 131.5 passer rating and a 71.4 percent completion rate. Regardless of Thomas’ progress through his first offseason in the pros, Minnesota may attempt to trade Jackson because of his limitations on passing downs,” Moton concluded.
The 2025 Displaying for Jackson
The Vikings could have already signaled their favored candidate for the beginning security place. Late within the 2025 season, Brian Flores gave Jay Ward extra enjoying time than Jackson, which could possibly be significant for 2026. Jackson was initially anticipated to switch Bynum after Bynum’s departure to the Colts, however his audition yielded combined outcomes.
Jackson appeared in 14 video games, beginning eight, and amassed 47 tackles, one pressured fumble, and two quarterback hits. His go protection was a notable weak spot; opposing quarterbacks achieved a excessive score of 131.5 when concentrating on gamers he lined, a statistic that can’t be ignored.
PFF grades additionally favored Ward, with Jackson receiving a 68.4 in comparison with Ward’s 70.4.
Whereas that doesn’t assure Ward the beginning function, it suggests Flores was already leaning towards him even earlier than the season concluded.
A Rookie within the Home
You may recall the Jonathan Greenard commerce — the one Vikings followers hope is not going to dwell in infamy. Minnesota donated Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles, together with a Seventh-Spherical decide, and obtained two Third-Rounders for his or her efforts.
The primary commerce return is Thomas, the person talked about by Moton. He’s a scrappy Miami Hurricane and could possibly be prepared for the intense lights of the common season sooner relatively than later. In that case, that would put Jackson nearer to the August roster bubble, or within the Bleacher Report state of affairs, the commerce block.
Minnesota Vikings security Theo Jackson brings down Las Vegas Raiders vast receiver DJ Turner throughout a preseason sport at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. In the course of the Aug. 10, 2024, matchup in Minneapolis, Jackson delivered a deal with in open house as Minnesota evaluated defensive contributors forward of the common season. Obligatory Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports activities.
Moton is appropriate that Jackson would make sense for the Commanders. They might use security depth, and Daronte Jones is aware of Jackson fairly intimately. It’s value noting, nevertheless, that Minnesota gained’t get a lot for Jackson — most likely a Seventh-Spherical decide, Sixth-Rounder if Washington normal supervisor Adam Peters is feeling beneficiant that day.
Harrison Smith because the Closing Straw?
Then, there’s Smith. The Vikings haven’t launched into an everyday season with out Smith on the roster since 2011. Sure, it’s been 15 years.
If Smith tells the Vikings that he’ll return for yet one more run, that can weaken Jackson’s job safety. Suppose: too many cooks within the kitchen, notably with Thomas assured a roster spot. Smith gained’t come again to face on the sidelines, so his would-be presence will chop off enjoying time for Jackson or Ward.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel and security Theo Jackson rejoice after a defensive play towards the Inexperienced Bay Packers at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. On Jan. 4, 2026, the teammates reacted through the third quarter as Minnesota battled its longtime NFC North rival within the regular-season finale. Obligatory Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photographs.
SI.com‘s Will Ragatz famous on Smith final weekend, “He’s presumably staying in shape at the Wood Gym back home in Knoxville, TN. And 215 games into his NFL career, Smith could roll up to Minnesota and be ready to go whenever he wants. The team has made it clear that they’re supporting his decision and would welcome him back with open arms if he chooses to play one more year.”
“One can’t help but wonder if Smith sees the potential of this year’s Vikings team, with Kyler Murray expected to start at quarterback, and will get the itch to suit up for year 15 once the regular season gets closer. He’s spoken many times over the years about how deeply he loves the locker room and the unique experience of playing in front of 65,000 fans on Sundays. Smith showed last season that he’s still got enough juice in the tank to help the Vikings win.”
All indicators level to Jackson because the Vikings’ major roster-bubble candidate this summer season. It’s actually not that stunning for him to finish up on a Bleacher Report commerce checklist in June.
Jackson will flip 28 in October.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
