TJ #26

Theo Jackson

Safety · Tennessee

Undrafted-turned-extended Vikings safety who has become a versatile piece in Brian Flores' secondary.

Theo Jackson joined Minnesota off the Tennessee Titans' practice squad in 2022 and has carved out a role bouncing between dime linebacker, slot corner and deep safety. The Vikings signed him to a two-year, $12.615 million extension in March 2025, a sign of how much the coaching staff trusts his versatility.

★ PFF All-Breakout Team, 2025

★ Signed two-year, $12.615 million extension with Vikings in March 2025

★ Versatile defender used at dime linebacker, slot corner and deep safety

Path to the league

Jackson played five seasons at Tennessee (2017-21), appearing in 56 games with 24 starts. As a senior he started 12 games at the STAR position and posted career highs of 78 tackles, 1.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss. The Titans took him in the sixth round (No. 204 overall) of the 2022 draft, but Minnesota signed him off Tennessee's practice squad that same year.

Career highlights

Jackson made his Vikings debut in Week 8 of 2022 with a special teams tackle and has since worked his way into a regular defensive role without ever making his first career start through his first three seasons. He earned a spot on PFF's All-Breakout Team for 2025, reflecting his emergence in Minnesota's secondary.

2025 season recap

Across his first three seasons with the Vikings, Jackson totaled 47 tackles, four pass breakups and two interceptions, continuing to log snaps at multiple spots in Brian Flores' scheme. His 2025 breakout recognition from PFF came alongside the new contract extension that locked him in as a core member of Minnesota's defensive depth.