The Minnesota Vikings are undergoing changes in their secondary. While veteran Harrison Smith is returning for another season, the team allowed safety Camryn Bynum to depart in free agency, paving the way for top star to step into a starting role.
Veteran star, 26, was originally a sixth-round pick (No. 204 overall) by the Tennessee Titans in 2022. The Vikings signed him off Tennessee’s practice squad during his rookie season, and he has primarily contributed on special teams—until now.
“Realizing they were going to lose incumbent starter Camryn Bynum in free agency, the Vikings got his understudy signed and locked down for the next three years,” ESPN’s Kevin Seifert wrote. “He has been impressive in the past two training camps and in his limited defensive snaps. In exchange for a reasonable deal worth a little more than $9 million, the Vikings secured a replacement for Bynum who has given them every reason to believe he will be an effective starter.”
Seifert described re-signing top star as the Vikings’ “under-the-radar move” of the offseason.
He isn’t the only one who expects Jackson to take over for Bynum, who had become a fan favorite during his time in Minnesota.
Vikings Replenished Safety Pipeline in Advance of Theo Jackson’s Promotion
Alec Lewis of The Athletic highlighted the Vikings’ confidence in Theo Jackson, noting that both the coaching staff and players have been high on him for years. He also discussed Minnesota’s efforts to maintain a strong pipeline at safety in case of injuries or roster changes.
According to Pro Football Reference, Camryn Bynum, Harrison Smith, and Josh Metellus ranked second, third, and fourth among Vikings defensive players in snaps last season. With Bynum’s departure, former fourth-round pick Jay Ward is moving up the depth chart behind Jackson.
“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,” Lewis wrote on March 17. “The Vikings would like Ward to spend more time with the defense this year, and [Tavierre] Thomas’ addition should support that plan as he is an exceptional gunner.”
Lewis anticipates Jackson taking on the deep safety role alongside Harrison Smith, while Josh Metellus is expected to continue playing closer to the line of scrimmage in defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ system.
Despite their experience, Jackson and Jay Ward have yet to start an NFL game, combining for 76 appearances without a single start.
Vikings Expected to Go With Incumbents in Secondary
Lewis reinforced his belief that Theo Jackson will have a significant role in 2025, while also suggesting the Vikings might take a similar approach at cornerback. Although they re-signed Byron Murphy, their next top two corners from 2024—Shaquill Griffin and Stephon Gilmore—remain unsigned.
“The Vikings might want to see if Mekhi Blackmon or Dwight McGlothern can prove they deserve an opportunity,” Lewis speculated in a March 24 article.
He also emphasized how intriguing the safety position could be for Minnesota. “The Vikings staff believes Theo Jackson can become a key contributor, hence the three-year extension,” Lewis wrote. “Doubting Harrison Smith’s ability to keep contributing into the future would be foolish at this point, but bringing in a capable youngster who could learn from him might also benefit them once Smith retires.”
The Vikings’ established veterans provide general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah some relief as he navigates roster decisions.
“Adofo-Mensah has admitted that safety is among the most difficult positions to evaluate,” Alec Lewis wrote. “Missing on another at the top of a draft would leave little wiggle room.”
Minnesota has struggled with secondary picks under Adofo-Mensah, having missed on multiple players, including cornerbacks Akayleb Evans and Andrew Booth, as well as safety Lewis Cine. The team moved on from all three in some capacity during the 2024 offseason.