Jul 29, 2021; Englewood, CO, United States; Denver Broncos cornerback Nate Hairston (27) during training camp at UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings added a cornerback to the roster on Monday, one likely to become the CB4 or CB5 when the regular season rolls around.
That’s Nate Hairston, a previous employee of the Denver Broncos in Ed Donatell’s 2021 defense. Donatell was hired as the Vikings new defensive coordinator when Kevin O’Connell took over in February.
Chandon Sullivan was signed by the Vikings — away from the Green Bay Packers — last week, and he figures to compete for the slot-corner job. Hairston, on the other hand, should be a depth piece, similar to Kris Boyd (who is still on the roster) from the last couple of seasons.
Hairston was a part of 15% of defensive snaps for the Broncos in 2021. He notched nine tackles, four passes defended, and a 108.1 passer-rating-against. The Temple alumnus was drafted in the 5th Round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. Hairston played about half of all defensive snaps during his first three seasons in the league, experiencing limited on-field action thereafter in 2020 and especially 2021.
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The Pro Football Focus resume is a bit sketchy:
Like the aforementioned Sullivan, Hairston is known for his slot-corner utility, where he’ll probably act as a backup to Sullivan.
Hairston has played for all AFC teams to date, the Colts, Jets, and Broncos.
The financial terms of the deal were not immediately available.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
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