After parting ways with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​on the free agent market, the Minnesota Vikings signed Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy with the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, ushering in a new era in Vikings football.

Minnesota signed veteran quarterback Sam Darnold as a stopgap while McCarthy adjusted to the pro level, but the rookie shined in his limited preseason experience. Excitement began to build in Minneapolis after McCarthy showed signs of impressive pocket movement and accuracy, but the optimism came to an abrupt end when McCarthy suffered a torn meniscus that ended his rookie season.

With the offensive rebuild delayed, Minnesota’s best strategy for the next few years may be to rely on defense. Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has preferred to play an aggressive, blitz-happy system with plenty of man coverage, which should make strengthening the secondary an immediate priority.

The Vikings could find defensive backs on the open market after teams trimmed their rosters for the 2024 season to their original 53-man rosters on Tuesday. Minnesota could find interest in cornerback Caleb Farley, who was released by the Tennessee Titans before the roster deadline.

Farley was selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, but injuries derailed his time in Tennessee. He has only played in 12 games over the past three years and missed the entire 2023 season with a back injury. The former Virginia Tech cornerback recovered from a hamstring injury in time to play in the Titans’ final preseason game, but it was too little, too late.

The Vikings’ secondary has already struggled with injuries and tragedy throughout the season. Rookie fourth-round pick Khyree Jackson was killed in a tragic car accident in July, Mekhi Blackmon tore his ACL on the first day of training camp, and Shaquill Griffin suffered a hamstring injury.

Farley’s injury history is certainly a concern, but his immense talent and physical style make him very attractive in Flores’ scheme. The Vikings have been looking for someone to line up alongside cornerback Byron Murphy, and Farley could provide the team with a low-risk, high-reward option who could be eased into the role with little work.

While McCarthy works on his comeback, the Vikings must find a way to remain competitive in the NFC North. The departure of Aaron Rodgers left a power vacuum in the division, but all three of Minnesota’s divisional opponents have strong offenses and promising quarterbacks.

Minnesota signed veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore as a free agent, but the 34-year-old won’t be a long-term solution. The Vikings will have to address their aging secondary in the 2025 offseason anyway, so getting a head start might be a good idea.