Vikings Still Have a CB Crisis
Total panic is not necessary as the offseason still has five-plus months to go, but the Minnesota Vikings have a glaring roster weakness not yet addressed in free agency.
As Day Four of free agency kicked off, the Vikings had one startable cornerback on the roster — Cameron Dantzler. These men are the cornerbacks slated for 2022 duty:
- Kris Boyd
- Cameron Dantzler
- Harrison Hand
- Parry Nickerson
Foremost, that list must grow by about three names for September and even more during training camp and preseason. And ideally, the additions will be starting-caliber personnel because the foursome is embarrassing right now.
Dantzler is progressing nicely — after exiting Mike Zimmer’s doghouse in 2021 — firing up a rookie Pro Football Focus grade of 70.9 in 2020 and a 73.8 sophomore effort. If Dantzler does not regress, he’s well on his way to becoming a marvelous starting cornerback.
The rest, though, is — yikes. Hand is still young and showcased glimpses of competence. Perhaps he will develop into a starter. But that’s a colossal maybe. And then Boyd and Nickerson are CB4-type depth defensive backs.
Put bluntly, the Vikings need about two more starting cornerbacks, and three wouldn’t hurt. Former head coach Mike Zimmer always said about corners, “they get hurt,” and he is correct. So, Minnesota must start adding cornerbacks sooner than later.
Thankfully, after the first big wave of free-agent signing leaguewide, plenty of viable CBs remain available — if the Vikings can squeeze cap space out of the piggy bank. Notably, these free-agent corners are on the open market:
- AJ Bouye
- Bryce Callahan
- Kyle Fuller
- Stephon Gilmore
- Joe Haden
- Casey Hayward
- Mike Hughes
- Donte Jackson
- Janoris Jenkins
- Steven Nelson
- Patrick Peterson
- Xavier Rhodes
- Richard Sherman
- Jason Verrett
- Donte Jackson
So, the Vikings could reasonably sign two of those men and be in “good shape,” relatively speaking, for cornerback depth. It’s just that nothing has occurred on this front yet that is a wee bit concerning.
Plus, it’s not like the Vikings only need cornerbacks. Upgrades to the interior offensive line and edges of the defensive line are necessary, as well.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”974004″ player=”26279″ title=”WATCH%204%20ideal%20Baker%20Mayfield%20trade%20scenarios%20from%20the%20Cleveland%20Browns” duration=”120″ description=”Speculation has picked up steam regarding a potential divorce between former No. 1 pick Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns.” uploaddate=”2022-03-16″ thumbnailurl=”undefined” contentUrl=”https://cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/17660/streaming/973913/973913.m3u8″ width=”16″ height=”9″]
If the Vikings do not make a splash in the free-agent CB pool, relying on the NFL draft would be the fallback plan. Minnesota selects 12th in the 1st Round, perhaps prime territory for Ahmad Gardner, Derek Stingley Jr., Andrew Booth, or Trent McDuffie. Each day that passes with no veteran corners added to the Vikings roster is a stronger indication the 1st-Round pick will indeed be a cornerback.
Finally, Minnesota could call up old faithful — Patrick Peterson. He’s indicated a handful of times his desire to return to the Vikings, but Minnesota’s front office evidently hasn’t picked up the phone. The Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs are also rumored landing spots for Peterson.
Overall, the necessity of a sturdy CB group on a team’s roster increases every season as offenses throw the football more and more. Therefore, the Vikings cannot showcase Dantzler and call it good.
The Vikings need cornerbacks.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. His YouTube Channel, VikesNow, debuts in March 2022. 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).
Vikings Territory Also Read: Jalen Hurts Did Something to Vikings That’s Never Happened Before
You must be logged in to post a comment.