Theo Jackson Signed

On Thursday morning, the Minnesota Vikings agreed to terms with safety Theo Jackson on a two-year contract extension. The reports had it as a two-year deal for $12.615 million. Jackson was scheduled to be a restricted free agent. This extension keeps him in Minnesota through the 2027 season. Factoring in the restricted tender, the deal is really a three-year deal for about $16 million. The first two years are fully guaranteed. 

The Vikings entered the offseason with some questions at safety. Cam Bynum is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next week, Jackson a restricted free agent. Harrison Smith is likely debating retirement and returning for his 14th season. Josh Metellus and Jay Ward were the only safeties contractually secure for the 2025 season. The signing of Jackson answers some questions. It obviously answers the question of his own Minnesota future. It may have answered the question of Bynum’s. Jackson has mostly seen special teams action in his two-plus years with the Vikings. He’s played well in his limited defensive snaps. He shined throughout training camp last summer but was kept from the field by the stellar safety trio of Smith, Metellus, and Bynum. Jackson had earned playing time but couldn’t find any. While not bank-breaking, this new deal shows that the Vikings decision-makers have faith in his starting potential. It’s similar to the deal Metellus signed before his breakout 2023 season. 

Unfortunately, the signing of Theo Jackson doesn’t reflect well on a Cam Bynum return. In his four years in Minnesota, Bynum had played his way to a strong second contract. With significant needs at other positions, it’s difficult seeing the Vikings splurging on the safety position. I expect the ageless Harrison Smith to return. Four safeties on starter-level deals is definitely splurging. I suppose anything is possible. Rob Brzezinski does have a magic touch with the salary cap. If Bynum somehow returns, how do the Vikings manage adequate playing time for four safeties deserving of playing time? Moving forward, it looks like the safety trio in Brian Flores’ versatile defense is going to be Harrison Smith, Josh Metellus, and Theo Jackson.