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Our Free Agency Trifecta on Defense for the Vikings
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- Our Free Agency Trifecta on Defense for the Vikings
Jay Biggerstaff
Unless the Minnesota Vikings wish to borrow against future salary caps, they must spend wisely, frugally, and efficiently when free agency kicks off in 11 days. Many expect the club to target some defensive newcomers, and we just so happen to have recommendations.
Minnesota needs youth and value, and this trio offers upside without forcing cap gymnastics.
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Minnesota must clear about $40 million in salary cap space to sign anybody at all, but after that, the club should explore the free-agent candidacies of these three men.
Three Affordable Defenders Who Fit Flores' Traits-Based Blueprint
Focusing on youth and affordability, these are "our guys" on defense for the Vikings in free agency.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal reacts during second-half action against the Houston Texans in an AFC divisional round playoff game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Jan. 18, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. Chenal contributed to the Chiefs' defensive effort during a postseason matchup with advancing stakes on the line. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images.
1. Leo Chenal
ILB | Kansas City
Chiefs
Chenal has seen action in 65 games since the Chiefs used a 3rd-Round pick on him in 2022. Starting 44 of those contests, Chenal has never played more than 450 defensive snaps in a single season. Much like Harrison Phillips years back for Vikings free agency, Chenal needs a starter's job to fully blossom.
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If Minnesota does not re-sign Eric Wilson or Ivan Pace Jr. — even if it does, Chenal could be dependable depth — interim general manager Rob Brzezinski could add Chenal and prosper.
His Pro Football Focus resume over the last four seasons:
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2025: 75.1
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2024: 81.5
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2023: 84.0
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2022: 70.3
Chenal is a better coverage and run-stopping linebacker, and he'd complement Wilson, for example, if the Vikings sign both men in March. He's also just 25 years old, and due to former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's poor draft classes since 2022, the Vikings need more youth, well, everywhere.
SI.com 's Zak Gilbert on Chenal : "The Chiefs are hoping Chenal won't have a new club. Spagnuolo would love to have him back in Kansas City for a fifth season wreaking havoc from his outside linebacker position or anywhere else the Chiefs' mad scientist uses him on the chess board. Spagnuolo has routinely used Chenal all over the field, maximizing his unique skill set to maximize the Chiefs' ability to get stops."
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"A 6-3, 250-pound defender out of Wisconsin, Chenal has 44 career starts over his first four NFL seasons. He hadn't missed a game until the end of 2025, when he sat out the final three games after Kansas City placed him on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. And although a return to Kansas City is unlikely, it's certainly not out of the question."
Estimated Contract Value per Year:$5 million — $7 million
2. Nick Cross
S | Indianapolis Colts
They got Camryn Bynum ; we'll take Nick Cross. That's the working theory here.
Cross was an ultra-productive defender in 2024, racking up tackles and making impactful plays, cementing his value as an IDP option among fantasy football managers. Although his production dipped in 2025 under a new defensive coordinator and while playing alongside Bynum, his underlying activity level remained consistent.
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Brian Flores' defensive scheme favors aggressive safeties who quickly attack downhill with clearly defined responsibilities. This environment has previously revitalized careers, as seen with the aforementioned Wilson in 2025, and could help Cross regain the higher PFF grades he earned in 2023 and 2024.
Indianapolis Colts safety Nick Cross celebrates after making an interception against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High, Dec. 15, 2024, in Denver, Colorado. Cross helped swing momentum with the turnover during second-half action as the Colts' defense pressured opposing drives in a late-season contest. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images.
The Athletic 's Daniel Popper on Cross : "Cross is a box safety who can defend the run and blitz. He ranked third among safeties with 16 pressures last season. He also led all free-agent safeties in splash plays with 30. He is functional as a deep-half and post safety. He has decent ball skills. But Cross is less instinctive as a coverage player than as a run defender and blitzer."
Here's Cross's PFF resume:
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2022: 56.5
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2023: 71.8
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2024: 70.3
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2025: 59.8
The need for a safety will soar up the Vikings' list of roster needs if Harrison Smith retires. However, Smith curiously hasn't done so through eight weeks of the offseason, and free agency is just around the corner. Perhaps he'll return one more time.
Estimated Contract Value per Year:$7 million — $9 million.
3. Cor'Dale Flott
CB | New York Giants
Since being drafted in the 3rd Round in 2022, Flott's role with the Giants has steadily increased each season. As he approaches his 25th birthday in August, Flott is entering his prime, and continued development could solidify his position as a reliable starter.
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Flott's physical attributes align with what Flores typically seeks in a cornerback. His height (6'2″) and agility mirror the qualities Minnesota has recently prioritized, much as they did when acquiring Isaiah Rodgers during the 2025 free-agent period.
New York Giants cornerback Cordale Flott intercepts a pass intended for Philadelphia Eagles receiver Jahan Dotson during Thursday Night Football at MetLife Stadium, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Flott secured the turnover during divisional action as the Giants' defense challenged passing lanes in a primetime matchup. Mandatory Credit: Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
In a defensive secondary last year with Jevon Holland , Paulson Adebo , and Deonte Banks , Flott produced the most consistently, believe it or not.
If the Vikings take the plunge with him, the cornerback room would feature Flott, Byron Murphy Jr. , and Rodgers in 2026. The club may not be forced into drafting a Round 1 cornerback.
Flott logged a 65.6 PFF mark last season — about seven points higher than Murphy Jr.
Estimated Contract Value per Year:$10 million — $12 million
