Last offseason, the Minnesota Vikings lost starting safety Cam Bynum to the Indianapolis Colts in free agency. The former fourth-round pick spent another excellent season with the Colts, recording a career-high four interceptions.
This offseason, the Vikings released franchise icon Harrison Smith. The potential future Hall of Famer turned 37 in February, and he's considering retirement after starting the last 14 seasons. The Vikings did not add any safety in free agency, nor did they draft one last year.
Needless to say, safety is one of the team's top needs even if Smith decides to return for a 15th season, as his playing future is certainly limited. However, the Vikings are likely to address this position in the 2026 NFL Draft, where they have nine selections, including the 18th overall choice in the first round.
Recently, ESPN's NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller sat down with local KSTP Vikings insider Darren 'Doogie' Wolfson. In doing so, Miller expressed his belief that the Vikings will address their "significant need" at safety in either Round 1 or Round 2 in the 2026 NFL Draft, where the Vikings have the 49th overall selection.
“I think Minnesota has a serious need at the safety spot, it seems like it will be addressed if not in Round 1, then very early in Round 2.”
It's good to be back to work after a solid family vacation. Today we caught up with ESPN NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller. our share #Vikings Link to the focused chat and all 11 minutes below:https://t.co/GsIIoJhqqL pic.twitter.com/39IvbuxB24
- Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) 9 April 2026
The way Miller described it - "very early in Round 2" it almost makes one wonder if the Vikings are potentially aiming to trade up from the 49th overall pick, or possibly trade down from No. 18 to get the protection they want. Either way, expect an injection of youth into defensive coordinator Brian Flores' secondary come draft weekend.
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