The safety position has been a talking point for the Vikings this offseason. As free agency approaches, the long-term future of one contributor at the position has been assured.

Theo Jackson has agreed to a two-year extension, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. The pact – which has since been announced by his agency – is worth $12.62MM and ensures Jackson will be under contract through 2027. His next two years of compensation are guaranteed in full.

Jackson was waved by the Titans during roster cutdowns in 2022. He quickly joined the Vikings on their practice squad and has remained in the organization ever since. The 26-year-old has not had a notable role on defense to date, totaling only 222 snaps in that capacity. Jackson has, on the other hand, been a mainstay on special teams for Minnesota.

The former sixth-rounder has racked up 875 third phase snaps in three years, and he will no doubt be expected to handle a workload of some kind in that regard moving forward. Given the financial element of this Vikings commitment, though, a starting gig on defense may now be in store. Jackson has notched one interception in each of the past two seasons, adding four pass breakups over that span.

Harrison Smith is giving thought to retirement, and his absence would create a major safety void on and off the field. Camryn Bynum – who has been a full-time starter for each of the past three years – is on track for free agency, meanwhile, meaning significant changes could be coming at the safety spot this offseason. Keeping Jackson in the fold will allow for some continuity at the position regardless of what other moves are made.

Minnesota’s secondary could see further movement if cornerback Byron Murphy (also set to hit the market) departs in the near future, although the Vikings are near the top of the league in terms of cap space. While a number of new faces could be in place by the start of next season, Jackson will remain in the fold for 2025 and beyond.