Minnesota Vikings to pay $827,000 signing bonus to late rookie Khyree Jackson’s family post Maryland car crash

Minnesota Vikings cornerback Khyree Jackson died on July 6 in a car accident. Jackson, along with two former high school teammates, was hit when, allegedly, a driver attempted to switch lanes at high speed.

Many mourned and felt awful for what happened, including the Vikings organization, which announced on Monday that the team would pay $20,000 for funeral expenses. Moreover, players would wear helmet decals and Jackson's No. 31 won't be used this season.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah also said that the team would pay Jackson's $827,000 singing bonus to his family and his estate, taking care of his expenses.

The Vikings have also left Jackson's locker intact and don't have any plans to clean it out during the season in remembrance of his life.

Jackson's funeral will be held on Friday. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Kevin O'Connell, defensive coordinator Brian Flores, special teams coordinator Matt Daniels and defensive backs coach Daronte Jones will be present. The team will also fly out to Jackson's family for a private commemoration in the coming weeks.

O'Connell spent most of Monday's press conference answering questions and providing information about Jackson and the accident.

Khyree Jackson looked to help the Minnesota Vikings secondary this season

Khyree Jackson during Oregon vs. Texas Tech (source: Getty)

Khyree Jackson was expected to help out in Minnesota's secondary this season. Jackson, a first-team All-Pac 12 Conference player in 2023, had good size for a cornerback, standing tall at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 194 lbs.

After being in JUCO for two years to start his college career, Jackson played Division I football for the University of Alabama. Jackson was a member of the Roll Tide for two seasons before entering the transfer portal in 2023 and landing with the Oregon Ducks.

As a member of the Ducks, Jackson had three interceptions, seven pass deflections, two sacks and 34 tackles. Jackson tested well at the combine and, with his good size, became a target to be a mid-round pick.

Many analysts and mock draft experts viewed Jackson as a quality backup with the potential to be a starter.

Unfortunately, we'll never know how Jackson would have panned out as an NFL pro. RIP, Khyree Jackson.