Theo Jackson Signs Two-Year Extension with Vikings, Eyes Potential Expanded Role

The Minnesota Vikings and safety Theo Jackson have agreed to a two-year, $12.6 million extension, his agent, Dan Saffron of Equity Sports tells uSports.

The signing reinforces a unit that might undergo major adjustments soon, setting Jackson up for a chance to earn a starting role.

Jackson, who was set to become a restricted free agent, is now under contract with the team through 2027 with full guarantees into 2026.

The Vikings made Jackson’s extension official but did not disclose the terms.

Jackson has primarily been a backup and special teams player over the last three seasons, but with both of the Vikings’ starting safeties – Harrison Smith and Camryn Bynum – on expiring deals, his role could expand. Smith is weighing retirement, while Bynum is approaching unrestricted free agency.

The Vikings could also see their three starting cornerbacks from last season – Stephon Gilmore, Byron Murphy and Shaq Griffin – become free agents unless an extension is agreed upon before free agency begins.

While free agency officially kicks off on March 12, teams can begin negotiating with players as early as March 10.

Jackson was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft and was initially placed on their practice squad. The Vikings claimed him off waivers later that season after their first-round pick, Lewis Cine, sustained a season-ending injury. He turned heads in the 2023 and 2024 training camps, but with Smith, Bynum and Josh Metellus ahead of him, opportunities to get on the field were limited.

In three seasons with the Vikings, Jackson has played 45 games, totaling over 900 special teams snaps and 222 on defense. He intercepted a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles in early 2023 and capped off a win over the Seattle Seahawks last year with his second career pick.