Jaylen Watson Poised for Big Deal Amid Vikings Speculation

Minnesota Vikings target cornerback Jaylen Watson in free agency to boost their 2026 NFL defense.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Minnesota Vikings are aiming to build on their defense's strong finish to the 2025 NFL season and are targeting cornerback Jaylen Watson, who is expected to secure a substantial contract in free agency. Watson, known for his physicality and ability to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage, could be a key addition to the Vikings' defense as they look to remain formidable throughout the 2026 campaign.

Why it matters

The Vikings' pursuit of Watson highlights their commitment to strengthening their defense, which was a strength for the team last season. Adding a talented cornerback like Watson could further bolster their secondary and help them compete more effectively in the NFC North division.

The details

Jaylen Watson, a cornerback from the Kansas City Chiefs, has emerged as a notable free agency prospect linked to the Vikings. According to reports, Watson could secure a four-year, $73 million contract in free agency, with his reputation as a tenacious press corner and his ability to excel at the line of scrimmage making him a sought-after player. In 2025, Watson achieved a Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 74.1, ranking him 16th out of 114 cornerbacks, with statistics that included 53 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles, two interceptions, six passes defended, five pressures, and 35 receptions allowed.

  • In 2025, Watson achieved a Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 74.1.

The players

Jaylen Watson

A cornerback from the Kansas City Chiefs who is expected to secure a substantial contract in free agency.

Brian Flores

The defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, who is returning to the team for the 2026 season.

Caleb Banks

A defensive tackle from the Florida Gators who is projected to be selected by the Vikings in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“Watson is a sticky press corner who is excellent at the line of scrimmage, mirroring releases and taking away space from receivers. He has outstanding route recognition and reactions. He is very rarely out of phase early in downs. Watson is also physical in run support. He lacks the long speed of the truly elite corners.”

— Daniel Popper, Reporter (The Athletic)

“[Watson] is long, he is physical, he can play outside, and there is going to be a real market for him, and it may price him out of returning to Kansas City.”

— Ryan Wilson, Analyst (CBS Sports)

“Then I love the idea of Brian Flores getting his hands on Jaylen Watson in Minnesota. So there will be competition, and that will only drive his price up, and I suspect he is going to make a pretty penny by the time he puts pen to paper in the next few months or so.”

— Ryan Wilson, Analyst (CBS Sports)

What’s next

The Vikings are also expected to prioritize defense early in the 2026 NFL Draft, with analysts projecting them to select defensive tackle Caleb Banks from the Florida Gators in the first round.

The takeaway

The Vikings' pursuit of Jaylen Watson and their potential selection of Caleb Banks in the draft demonstrate their commitment to strengthening their defense and positioning themselves as a formidable team in the NFC North for the 2026 season.