The Vikings' Next Move is to Sign a Young Corner

Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell in 2025, Week 18. — Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell is seen during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

GM Nolan Teasley has been a busy man (Exhibit A, Exhibit B, and Exhibit C). The Vikings’ next move was to sign a defensive back.

The practice squad has a new player: corner Natrone Brooks. Consider the official update from the team’s social media: “The #Vikings have signed CB Natrone Brooks to the practice squad.” Adding the new guy is the byproduct of a spot opening up due to Jihad Ward being stolen away from Minnesota’s practice squad.

The Vikings’ Next Move is to Sign a CB

Part of the rationale with the deal could be to help offset the Chuck Demmings injury. The 5th-Round rookie hasn’t yet offered a pile of work for the Brian Flores defense — only 2 snaps — but he has been the CB4 had there been a need for help.

So, note that hamstring ailment to Demmings as some further context.

The Vikings’ leading corners are CB1 Byron Murphy Jr., CB2 Isaiah Rodgers, and CB3 James Pierre. Those three aren’t perfect but they’ve been pretty darn good. Eliminate that opening half against Green Bay and we’re talking about a crew that has been really good. CB5 Zemaiah Vaughn hasn’t yet been featured, but the super long sophomore is on the 53-man roster.

NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Minnesota Vikings — Aug 22, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Ja’kobi Lane (6) lines up against Minnesota Vikings cornerback Charles Demmings (20) during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

So, Natrone Brooks isn’t likely to be needed for huge work in Week 4, if any at all.

The corner stands at 5’11” and 175 pounds. At the outset, Brooks was a Falcon, brought into the NFL as an undrafted talented in 2023. He stuck around in Atlanta for several seasons before a quick stop with the Detroit Lions in 2026.

He’s now a Minnesota Viking.

More broadly, the defensive backfield is getting a pile of work out of the safety talent. Think Josh Metellus, Theo Jackson, and Harrison Smith as the top names. There’s then Jacob Thomas alongside Jakobe Thomas. Consider, as well, that Jay Ward remains (even if his usage may suggest otherwise). In the past, Flores has referred to Ward as being a nickle player, so maybe there’s some slot duties for the fourth-year player.

Natrone Brooks therefore has some players to overcome before getting onto the field. He’ll join Da’Veawn Armstead and Tavierre Thomas as practice squad defensive backs who are looking to get bumped up for game work.

NFL: Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers — Sep 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Natrone Brooks (35) avoids a tackle during the second half of a game between Carolina Panthers and the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

In Week 4, the Miami Dolphins will be visiting Minnesota for a game inside of U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings are expected to win. Doing so will mean climbing up to a sparkling 4-0 record.

Natrone Brooks is 26.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.