Unsigned Viking Could Be on Dolphins Radar
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsThirteen months ago, the Minnesota Vikings took a flyer on former 1st-Round cornerback Jeff Okudah in free agency, and the experiment did not work. Okudah succumbed to injuries and poor performance, so much so that he remains a free agent in 2026. And according to SI.com, Okudah could eventually make his way to the Miami Dolphins.Miami has the roster situation to consider Okudah after the draft.The Dolphins have made a habit of signing journeyman corners in recent offseasons. Why not Okudah next?The Dolphins Could Revisit a Vet CB BetOkudah has no free-agent nibbles to date.Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine pushes forward with the ball as Minnesota Vikings cornerback Jeff Okudah closes in on defense during first-half action on Sep. 21, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The play highlights Okudahs effort in coverage and run support during a physical early-season matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.SI.com: Okudah to MIA Makes SenseTyler DeSena of SI.com recently sized up next-wave free-agent options for Miami, with Okudahs name getting a mention.He explained, The third overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions, Jeff Okudah was the prototype outside corner: solid size, strong athletic testing, and top end production at Ohio State. However, as is the case with a few players on this list, injuries have largely kept Okudah from reaching his full potential.He missed most of his rookie and sophomore seasons with injuries, and suffered a concussion that landed him on injured reserve this past season. Okudah has appeared only in 12 games over the last two seasons, but with Miamis massive need at cornerback, and the fact that he would likely only command a minimum salary, a shot on the former Buckeyes star would be very low risk.DeSena also name-dropped players like running back Khalil Herbert and EDGE Clelin Ferrell.The Dolphins CBsHow would Okudah fit in Miami? Heres a look at the Dolphins cornerbacks through mid-April:Storm DuckJason Marshall Jr.Darrell BakerJuJu BrentsMarco WilsonEthan RobinsonEthan BonnerAlex AustinJason MaitreIsaiah JohnsonA.J. Green IIIMiles BattlePound for pound, that is the worst cornerback unit in the NFL. In that vein, it makes sense why Okudah might be in play for the Dolphins. Hed actually get playing time.DeSena also mentioned free-agent CB Martin Emerson as an option: Martin Emerson Jr. played in 50 of 51 possible games from 2022 to 2024, but after tearing his ACL last July, he missed the entire 2025 season. The former Browns third-round pick started 12 games in 2023, when Cleveland had the No. 1 defense in terms of total yards and passing yards allowed.Emerson logged 14 pass breakups and all four of his career interceptions in this season At 6-2, 201-pounds with 33-inch arms, Emerson has plenty of athletic potential, and at only 25 years old, it would be wise to at least call the four-year veteran and check in on his recovery.Okudah in 2025Okudah struggled to find his footing in Minnesota, as injuries hampered his performance and opposing teams frequently targeted him with success. Consequently, his career has veered significantly from the high expectations set when he was a top-three draft pick in 2020. The consistent skills at Ohio State that made him such a promising prospect have been elusive, giving the Vikings little incentive to re-sign him, suggesting his career may be in rapid decline.Minnesota Vikings cornerback Jeff Okudah addresses reporters during mandatory minicamp on June 10, 2025, at the TCO Performance Center in Eagan, Minnesota. The session captures Okudah speaking after practice, offering insight into his preparation and role within the defense during offseason workouts. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.All told, Okudah played 93 defensive snaps last season in six games, delivering a horrid 146.5 passer rating against and a laughable 32.4 Pro Football Focus grade. Not ideal.The Draft Options at CB for Miami?Thankfully for Miamis sake, new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has seven picks in the Top 100. Its not unreasonable to predict two to three new cornerbacks from that allotment.LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane makes a stop on a play against Louisiana Tech during first-half action on Sep. 6, 2025, at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The sequence shows Delane engaging physically at the point of contact, limiting yardage against a tight end in an early-season matchup. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images.Heres whos in play for the Dolphins at cornerback in the Top 100:Mansoor Delane (LSU | R1)Jermod McCoy (Tennessee | R1)Avieon Terrell (Clemson | R1)Colton Hood (Tennessee | R2)Chris Johnson (San Diego State | R2)Brandon Cisse (South Carolina | R2)DAngelo Ponds (Indiana | R2)Treydan Stukes (Arizona | R2)Keionte Scott (Miami | R2)Keith Abney II (Arizona State | R3)Davison Igbinosun (Ohio State | R3)Julian Neal (Arkansas | R3)Chandler Rivers (Duke | R3)Malik Muhammad (Texas | R3)Devin Moore (Florida | R4)Daylen Everette (Georgia | R4)SI.coms Alain Poupart recently mock-drafted Delane to Miami, noting, Can hear it now, a lot of fans shaking their head at not taking Bain in this spot. This simply is a matter of the Dolphins not being in a position to take risks early in this draft because of where they are as an organization and Bains short arms representing just that. Delane is a safe prospect with a high ceiling who should be a starter for years to come at a key position.Miami also needs wide receivers after trading Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos and cutting Tyreek Hill. Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, and Jordyn Tyson are popular mock-draft candidates in Round 1. Okudah will turn 28 around the Super Bowl next year.
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