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5 Free Agent Safety Options the Vikings Could Target

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Giants safety Dane Belton in 2024
New York Giants safety Dane Belton (24) celebrates after catching an interception during a game between New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. © Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

In Week 18, the Minnesota Vikings hosted what felt like a farewell party for Harrison Smith, who wrapped up Year No. 14 in the NFL. Smith will turn 37 on Monday, and if he retires, Minnesota will need a replacement starting safety, either from free agency, the NFL draft, or via trade. Consider these the best free-agent options for a team on a condensed budget.

Cap space should open up soon, and Minnesota’s next safety could come from a practical free-agent tier with Flores-friendly traits.

The Vikings must clear about $45-$50 million in cap space in the coming weeks, but after that, a new safety may be on the menu in March.

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Minnesota’s FA Shortlist at Safety for 2026

Ranking the Vikings’ best free-agent safety options, with No. 1 as the top pick.

Reed Blankenship tackling Colston Loveland during Eagles vs. Bears game. Vikings Free Agent Safeties.
Philadelphia Eagles safety Reed Blankenship brings down Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland during first-quarter action at Lincoln Financial Field, with the November 28, 2025 matchup reflecting early defensive intensity as Philadelphia set the tone at home while managing assignments and tackling in space against Chicago’s opening possessions on defense. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images.

5. Reed Blankenship (PHI)

Age: 26
2025 PFF Grade: 46.5
PFF Pass Coverage: 32.7
PFF Run Defense: 73.9
Estimated Market Value: $7-9M

Blankenship had an extreme down year by his standards in 2025; he usually posts a PFF grade in the 70s. But like his team’s finish to the 2025 campaign, he fell short of expectations.

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The Eagles’ safety blends experience, quasi-affordability, and pre-2025 production that could be used in Brian Flores’ defense. If Flores can restore Blankenship to his 2024 standard, the Vikings would onboard a hard-hitting safety right after their longtime hard-hitting legend, Smith, (possibly) walked away.

4. Alohi Gilman (BAL)

Age: 28
2025 PFF Grade: 70.4
PFF Pass Coverage: 71.9
PFF Run Defense: 71.6
Estimated Market Value: $4-6M

Gilman is probably the best football player on this — but he’s also the oldest.

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Now departed Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah left the franchise with an “old” roster, all things considered, and if Minnesota hopes to replace Smith, it might prefer youth. If new general manager Rob Brzezinski does not hold this philosophy — basically meaning Flores dictates otherwise — Gilman should be the primary free-agent target.

Gilman could also return to Baltimore. Ebony Bird‘s Eamon Cassell noted last week, “Re-signing Gilman could actually be fairly cheap. According to Spotrac, Gilman’s projected annual salary is $4.7 million. A two-year deal worth $9.4 million is the exact number Spotrac projects for Gilman. That’s a very reasonable number for the 28-year-old safety, especially given the versatility that he allows the Ravens to unlock.”

“Even a longer-term deal worth a similar annual amount could be worthwhile for Baltimore. With his connection to Minter, I’m sure Gilman will be more excited to return. Likewise, I’m sure Minter will push to re-sign Gilman, especially if it’s on such a cheap deal. Overall, the Ravens re-signing Gilman has never seemed more likely, and that’s a clear positive for the team.”

3. Andre Cisco (NYJ)

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Age: 25
2025 PFF Grade: 61.3
PFF Pass Coverage: 54.5
PFF Run Defense: 75.6
Estimated Market Value: $4-6M

Cisco was buried on a futile Jets team this year, but could represent an unearthed gem in Minnesota if Brzezinski and Flores take the plunge.

He perfectly balances youth and affordability. Cisco was a 3rd-Round pick in 2021 by the Jacksonville Jaguars and has played a ton of football in five seasons, with 71 games and 55 starts.

2. Dane Belton (NYG)

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Age: 25
2025 PFF Grade: 62.3
PFF Pass Coverage: 59.8
PFF Run Defense: 70.7
Estimated Market Value: $6-8M

Dane Belton on the field before Giants game at Levi’s Stadium.
New York Giants safety Dane Belton stands on the field at Levi’s Stadium before kickoff, with the September 21, 2023 contest against the San Francisco 49ers capturing a pregame moment as New York completed warmups and final checks ahead of a challenging road environment under the lights in prime time. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports.

Never heard of Belton? That’s okay. He flies under the radar with the Giants because that franchise used a defensive secondary with Jevon Holland, Paulson Adebo, and Deonte Banks in 2025. Still, Belton held his own per performance with that group and will look to cash in this March in free agency.

Like Cisco, Belton features youth and affordability.

1. Nick Cross (IND)

Age: 24
2025 PFF Grade: 59.8
PFF Pass Coverage: 50.4
PFF Run Defense: 72.0
Estimated Market Value: $6-8M

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If you played fantasy football with individual defensive players (IDP), you probably know Cross. He’s a stat-sheet stuffer. And that doesn’t have to be bad.

SI.com‘s Drake Wally on Cross: “Cross’ 2024 saw him break out following two underwhelming campaigns in 2022 and 2023. Cross put up 146 tackles, six tackles for loss, 1.0 sacks, three picks, and five pass breakups. Cross continued the momentum from last year by playing all 17 games and logging 120 more tackles, five tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, an interception of Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert, and five more pass breakups.”

“The former Maryland Terrapin played well enough this year to warrant consideration from Indianapolis to get him a new deal. Given that he’s only 24 years old and has already played 67 games (38 starts), he might just be scratching the surface.”

Nick Cross celebrating a defensive stop for the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Indianapolis Colts safety Nick Cross celebrates after a defensive stop at Lucas Oil Stadium, with the September 14, 2025 game against the Denver Broncos highlighting his energy as Indianapolis rallied momentum during a key sequence in front of a home crowd late in the second half. Mandatory Credit: INDIANAPOLIS STAR-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images.

Cross encountered a quieter year in 2025 with a new defensive coordinator and former Vikings safety Camryn Bynum, but in 2024, Cross cooked. Here’s his PFF resume since 2022:

2022: 56.5
2023: 71.8
2024: 70.3
2025: 59.8

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There’s a decent chance that Flores can bring Cross back to PFF grades in the 70s. That’s what Flores does. Habitually. See: linebacker Eric Wilson in 2025.


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Report: 76ers trading Jared McCain to Thunder for first-round pick, three second-rounders

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The defending NBA Champions are adding to their roster.

McCain has experienced a sophomore slump in his second year in the NBA, after bursting onto the scene as a rookie in 2024-25.

The 21-year-old is averaging 6.6 points, two rebounds and 1.7 assists on 38.5 per cent shooting through 37 games this season.

Last campaign, he was a Rookie of the Year favourite before going down with a torn meniscus. McCain averaged 15.3 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists on 46 per cent shooting in 23 games in 2024-25.

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McCain became expendable in Philadelphia after the 76ers drafted VJ Edgecombe third overall in the 2025 NBA Draft.

The move also provides them with the flexibility to bring Quentin Grimes back in free agency and convert two-way guard Dominick Barlow, per Charania.

The Thunder sit first in the NBA at 40-11.

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'The rebuild of myself' – Wilder opens up on mental health struggles

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Former world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder opens up about his mental health struggles, and says he’s now “at peace” before his fight against Derek Chisora on 4 April at London’s O2 Arena.

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Naoya Inoue called out by new US world champion: “I’ll be first to beat him”

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Naoya Inoue remains as one of boxing’s pound-for-pound superstars and the Japanese phenomenon may finally move up to featherweight this year. There, each of the 126lb champions are hoping to be selected as his opponent, but none more so than a newly crowned titleholder from the United States.

Inoue has ruled at light-flyweight, super-flyweight, bantamweight and super-bantamweight over the course of his 32-fight career, becoming undisputed at both 118lbs and 122lbs as one of just three multi-divisional undisputed champions in the four-belt era.

However, despite a legacy-defining showdown with Junto Nakatani on the horizon, many fans in the United States are keen to see Inoue fight on American soil and to do so in the featherweight division.

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Now, after registering a knockout of the year contender in a world title win in his hometown, WBC featherweight world champion Bruce Carrington informed Sean Zittel that he would accept a fight with ‘The Monster’ over possible title unifications.

“It [the fight with Inoue] is very realistic now and I am super excited for what is to come. These next two years are going to be really special, we are going to be making a lot of noise and I think that it is right there, it is on the cusp of happening.

“Everything is really falling into place for me, man. I really want to be the first guy to do it, to beat Inoue, and then we are going to be on that road, superstardom level.

“[I would rather] a fight with him [than unifications], because with the unifications, I feel like I could still do that regardless, after [fighting Inoue]. I think that the fight with him is something that I want more, because it would just put me on that level.

“Me beating him would put me on a certain level, over the unification fights, honestly.”

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Carrington then went on to explain why he believes that the interest in that bout should not be one-sided, declaring that Inoue should be seeking events across the pond in order to improve on his star power.

“He should have some interest in fighting in America as well, that will make him into an even bigger fighter if he becomes more successful with more fights here and builds his name.”

Should Inoue wish to debut at featherweight in the U.S. then Carrington sticks out as the obvious candidate and with his New York roots, a clash at Madison Square Garden makes sense for both men, providing Inoue comes through his meeting with Nakatani unscathed.

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Deontay Wilder storms out of interview over Tyson Fury questions: ‘I’m not gonna talk about him!’

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Deontay Wilder stormed out of an interview on Wednesday after taking issue with a line of questioning about Tyson Fury, one of his biggest rivals, ahead of a press conference with upcoming opponent Derek Chisora.

On 4 April, Wilder will box Chisora in a heavyweight main event at London’s O2 Arena, in what is expected to be Chisora’s final fight as a professional.

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At 42, Britain’s Chisora is a seasoned veteran, while former world champion Wilder is similarly experienced at 40. But while Chisora has been enjoying a resurgence recently, winning his last three bouts, Wilder is in must-win territory after going 2-4 in his last six contests.

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The American, seen as arguably the most-devastating puncher of his generation, was on a frightening run of unanswered victories until 2018, when he secured a controversial draw with Fury. In 2020, Fury stopped Wilder to take the WBC title from the “Bronze Bomber”, before replicating that result in a third clash in 2021. Since then, Wilder has stopped Robert Helenius and Tyrrell Anthony Herndon but lost to Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker.

But his past with Fury cropped up again this week, when Wilder accused the Briton of having cheated during their rivalry. This was put to Wilder before Wednesday’s press conference with Chisora, as the American was questioned by TalkSport host Simon Jordan.

“I don’t want to talk about him,” Wilder told Jordan, who replied. “No, you’re going to.”

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“We’re here about Derek Chisora,” Wilder pushed back. “We’re not gonna talk about him [Fury] at all. I’m not gonna talk about him at all. Understand that.”

“No, fair enough,” Jordan said, in a bid to cool an intensifying atmosphere, with Wilder responding: “Alright then, so let’s move on. It’s all about Derek Chisora, that’s it. I’m back, baby! You all understand that? 4 April, it’s going down at the O2, you better be there or you’ll be a square.”

Deontay Wilder (right) takes on Britain's Derek Chisora on April 4th (Getty Images)

Deontay Wilder (right) takes on Britain’s Derek Chisora on April 4th (Getty Images)

“I understand that, I understand that,” said Jordan. “Fabulous. The only reason I mentioned it is because it’s part of the shtick that goes with you, and I missed you the first time around, when you came in here three years ago – when you were in your pomp four years ago, doing ‘Bomb Squad!’ and all that sort of stuff.

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“And I have always wanted to have a conversation with you, because you’ve made observations about Fury. I have my views on Fury, and you’ve called him a cheat.”

“The biggest in boxing!” Wilder exclaimed, before making accusations against Fury, who is due to emerge from his fifth retirement when he boxes Arslanbek Makhmudov on 11 April. Fury has always denied any accusations against him.

“But it leads me to a conclusion,” Jordan followed up. “I want to put something to you about you, and Fury just happens to be the hook for it. You talked about being cheated in that fight, you talked about water being spiked.”

“Facts,” said Wilder, before Jordan added: “You talked about your [ring walk] outfit being too heavy for you.”

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Deontay Wilder accused Tyson Fury of cheating during their trilogy fights between 2018-2021 (Getty Images)

Deontay Wilder accused Tyson Fury of cheating during their trilogy fights between 2018-2021 (Getty Images)

“I didn’t say that,” Wilder claimed. Jordan went on: “You talked about a long count [by the referee in the first fight with Fury].”

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After Wilder said “facts” once more, Jordan continued: “It sounds to me, given the character you are, that’s a little bit flaky. You lost those fights, and those fights were lost, and you saying someone like Fury cheated you in those fights is kind of disappointing to me.”

“Because I know the truth!” shouted Wilder. “I have the facts. Understand that […] Because when the documentary and everything starts to come out, I’m gonna show everything.” Earlier in the week, Wilder had similarly referenced a documentary he is apparently working on.

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“I’m not a Fury fan,” Jordan said, as Wilder stood up from his chair and walked towards the host, with security holding back the boxer.

“I don’t give a f*** about that!” Wilder shouted. “I don’t give a f*** about it! I said we didn’t want to bring him up in the first place. It ain’t got s*** to do with him!”

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Wilder’s last fight was his stoppage of Herndon in the seventh round in June, while Chisora’s was his decision win over Otto Wallin in February 2025.

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Chisora vs Wilder will mark each man’s 50th fight as a professional.

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3 mistakes Tony Khan must avoid on this week’s AEW Dynamite

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Tony Khan will present tonight’s episode of AEW Dynamite from Las Vegas this week. The show will take place at the Pearl Theater at Palms Casino Resort, and fans have high expectations for it. AEW has announced a stacked lineup of stars for the show, including some big-time matches featuring top AEW names.

As of now, Tony Khan has announced four big showdowns for the event. Hangman Page will take on Mark Davis in a singles clash. Apart from that, Andrade and Kenny Omega will also square off in a big matchup. Moreover, MJF will take on Brody King in an AEW World Title Eliminator Match. Additionally, Jack Perry and Ricochet will also clash over the AEW National Title. There are several other top stars like Kris Statlander and Jon Moxley expected to appear on the show.

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In this article, let’s take a look at 3 mistakes Tony Khan must avoid on this week’s AEW Dynamite:

#3. A clear decision for the Andrade and Kenny Omega match

Andrade will face Kenny Omega tonight on AEW Dynamite. It is a much-anticipated showdown between the two stars following El Idolo’s attack on The Cleaner on Dynamite’s 6th Anniversary last year. However, both stars are brimming with momentum as of late in the Jacksonville-based promotion. Besides, Andrade and Omega are top contenders for the AEW World Championship.

Therefore, Tony Khan can create a solid storyline involving the two stars down the line. However, a defeat to any one of them could destroy their momentum. Hence, instead of giving this match a clear closure, there should be a screwed ending for this showdown. It would help Khan to keep this feud open without affecting anyone’s credibility and momentum in the company.

#2. No follow-up on Megan Bayne & Penelope Ford’s title quest

Last week, on AEW Dynamite, Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford came down the aisle to give a staredown to the AEW Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander and the AEW World Women’s Tag Team Champions Willow Nightingale and Harley Cameron. That moment alone shone a massive spotlight on Bayne and Ford, sparking interest from a lot of fans in their work down the line.

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However, if Tony Khan did not give any follow-up to that intense staredown, it would make last week’s segment meaningless. Instead, the AEW President should book Bayne and Ford in some sort of confrontation with The Babes of Wrath and Kris Statlander. Besides, fans have been clamoring to see Megan chase the AEW Women’s World Title. Therefore, it sets up a golden opportunity for AEW to build Megan Bayne to the top.

#1. Another loss to Jack Perry on AEW Dynamite

Jack Perry will challenge the champion Ricochet for the AEW National Championship tonight on AEW Dynamite. It is a rematch between the two stars after their last title match on 31 December 2025, AEW Dynamite. Perry made his return to AEW last year following a prolonged hiatus. However, he has not achieved anything big since then in the company.

He has already faced a defeat against Ricochet on Dynamite, and another loss could heavily impact his credibility. Therefore, Tony Khan should crown Perry a new National Champion tonight. The Lightskin Kingpin has already managed to have a decent run with the title. The Scapegoat has the potential to heavily elevate the prestige of the championship down the line.