Safety Theo Jackson was re-signed by the Vikings, the team announced on Wednesday. A player with an expired contract and fewer than three accrued seasons is referred to as an exclusive rights free agent. In the sixth round of the 2022 draft, Tennessee native Jackson, 25, was selected by the Titans. Following that, he was waived during the season’s final roster cuts and signed on to the Titans practice squad. Following Lewis Cine’s injury that October, Jackson was signed by the Vikings to their active roster, allowing them to poach him.
Jackson only participated in 18 defensive snaps during the season, but he was a valuable special teams contributor as a rookie. With Brian Flores taking over the Vikings defense in 2023 and relying largely on his safety room, Jackson continued to play a significant role on special teams while playing 125 defensive snaps. He recorded an interception of Jalen Hurts in a Week 2 loss against the Eagles, playing a season-high 21 snaps. Jackson had 21 tackles by the end of the season.
Jackson might still play a significant defensive role in 2024. In order to save cap space, Harrison Smith is probably going to retire or be released, which would free up a starting spot for Josh Metellus and Camryn Bynum. The Vikings may bring in a replacement, but Jackson may get an opportunity to contend for a significant role. On the depth chart, he has been ahead of Cine for some time.
