Former 1st-Round cornerback Jeff Okudah, who is currently a free agent, may be on the Miami Dolphins' radar after struggling with injuries and performance issues while with the Minnesota Vikings. The Dolphins are known for signing experienced cornerbacks, making Okudah a potential candidate post-draft.
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Thirteen months ago, the Minnesota Vikings took a flyer on former 1st-Round cornerback Jeff Okudah in free agency, and the experiment did not work. Okudah succumbed to injuries and poor performance, so much so that he remains a free agent in 2026. And according to SI.com, Okudah could eventually make his way to the Miami Dolphins.
Miami has the roster situation to consider Okudah after the draft.
The Dolphins have made a habit of signing journeyman corners in recent offseasons. Why not Okudah next?
Okudah has no free-agent nibbles to date.
Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine pushes forward with the ball as Minnesota Vikings cornerback Jeff Okudah closes in on defense during first-half action on Sep. 21, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The play highlights Okudahâs effort in coverage and run support during a physical early-season matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
SI.com: Okudah to MIA Makes Sense
Tyler DeSena of SI.com recently sized up next-wave free-agent options for Miami, with Okudahâs name getting a mention.
He explained, âThe third overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions, Jeff Okudah was the prototype outside corner: solid size, strong athletic testing, and top end production at Ohio State. However, as is the case with a few players on this list, injuries have largely kept Okudah from reaching his full potential.â
âHe missed most of his rookie and sophomore seasons with injuries, and suffered a concussion that landed him on injured reserve this past season. Okudah has appeared only in 12 games over the last two seasons, but with Miamiâs massive need at cornerback, and the fact that he would likely only command a minimum salary, a shot on the former Buckeyes star would be very low risk.â
DeSena also name-dropped players like running back Khalil Herbert and EDGE Clelin Ferrell.
The Dolphinsâ CBs
How would Okudah fit in Miami? Hereâs a look at the Dolphinsâ cornerbacks through mid-April:
Pound for pound, that is the worst cornerback unit in the NFL. In that vein, it makes sense why Okudah might be in play for the Dolphins. Heâd actually get playing time.
DeSena also mentioned free-agent CB Martin Emerson as an option: âMartin Emerson Jr. played in 50 of 51 possible games from 2022 to 2024, but after tearing his ACL last July, he missed the entire 2025 season. The former Browns third-round pick started 12 games in 2023, when Cleveland had the No. 1 defense in terms of total yards and passing yards allowed.â
âEmerson logged 14 pass breakups and all four of his career interceptions in this season At 6-2, 201-pounds with 33½-inch arms, Emerson has plenty of athletic potential, and at only 25 years old, it would be wise to at least call the four-year veteran and check in on his recovery.â
Okudah in 2025
Okudah struggled to find his footing in Minnesota, as injuries hampered his performance and opposing teams frequently targeted him with success. Consequently, his career has veered significantly from the high expectations set when he was a top-three draft pick in 2020.
The consistent skills at Ohio State that made him such a promising prospect have been elusive, giving the Vikings little incentive to re-sign him, suggesting his career may be in rapid decline.
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Jeff Okudah addresses reporters during mandatory minicamp on June 10, 2025, at the TCO Performance Center in Eagan, Minnesota. The session captures Okudah speaking after practice, offering insight into his preparation and role within the defense during offseason workouts. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
All told, Okudah played 93 defensive snaps last season in six games, delivering a horrid 146.5 passer rating against and a laughable 32.4 Pro Football Focus grade. Not ideal.
The Draft Options at CB for Miami?
Thankfully for Miamiâs sake, new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has seven picks in the Top 100. Itâs not unreasonable to predict two to three new cornerbacks from that allotment.
LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane makes a stop on a play against Louisiana Tech during first-half action on Sep. 6, 2025, at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The sequence shows Delane engaging physically at the point of contact, limiting yardage against a tight end in an early-season matchup. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images.
Hereâs whoâs in play for the Dolphins at cornerback in the Top 100:
SI.comâs Alain Poupart recently mock-drafted Delane to Miami, noting, âCan hear it now, a lot of fans shaking their head at not taking Bain in this spot. This simply is a matter of the Dolphins not being in a position to take risks early in this draft because of where they are as an organization and Bainâs short arms representing just that. Delane is a safe prospect with a high ceiling who should be a starter for years to come at a key position.â
Miami also needs wide receivers after trading Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos and cutting Tyreek Hill. Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, and Jordyn Tyson are popular mock-draft candidates in Round 1.
Okudah will turn 28 around the Super Bowl next year.
Jeff Okudah remains a free agent due to injuries and poor performance during his time with the Minnesota Vikings.
The Dolphins are looking to strengthen their cornerback position, especially after the draft, making them a potential fit for experienced players like Okudah.
Jeff Okudah was a 1st-Round draft pick, but his career has been hampered by injuries and inconsistent play, leading to his current status as a free agent.
The Miami Dolphins have frequently signed journeyman cornerbacks in recent offseasons, indicating a strategy of seeking experienced players to bolster their secondary.
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