Oct 9, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) in action during a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings may need help at cornerback on the current depth chart, and some fans have convinced themselves that assistance could arrive via reunion with long-time Vikings corner Xavier Rhodes.
But don’t fall for the bait.
The theories began Monday when Rhodes replied to a fan-oriented X page:
That caused tweets like these:
As a standalone reply, Rhodes’ words, if interpreted literally, could signify a Vikings reunion, even if the man is 34 years old and didn’t play in the NFL last year.
Yet, context is needed. Four days ago, Rhodes tweeted, “Contemplating on which Vikings game I should attend. Missing the Skol Nation.”
“Back in purple” is probably just a hint that he’ll visit a game in 2024 as a special guest or fan — while wearing purple. Signing with the Vikings is severely unlikely, and if he did, Rhodes would have to battle like hell to make the 53-man roster.
The Vikings drafted Rhodes in 2013, and he turned into a homerun choice. At the peak of his power, particularly in 2016 and 2017, Rhodes was a shutdown cornerback, reaching three Pro Bowls and earning one 1st-Team All-Pro honor. Rhodes was a staple of the Vikings’ secondary, especially during the reign of former head coach Mike Zimmer’s nearly impeccable defense.
But Rhodes encountered a performance-related decline around the 2019 campaign. He was either injured or lost a step, as his drop-off was visible. He was not a priority for ex-GM general manager Rick Spielman to re-sign in 2020, mainly because of Minnesota’s salary cap crunch. Along with Linval Joseph, Everson Griffen, and Trae Waynes, the Vikings experienced a mass defensive exodus of free agents after the 2019 season, and the group never recovered.
Here’s Rhodes’ career resume to date:
The Vikings could see additional help at cornerback after rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson tragically passed away in a Maryland car accident on July 6th, second-year corner Mekhi Blackmon tore his ACL and will miss all of 2024, and veteran defender Shaquill Griffin is currently hobbled by a leg injury that is considered week-to-week. That isn’t disputed. However, the reinforcement would probably involve a free agent like Stephon Gilmore, Adoree’ Jackson, or Akhello Witherspoon.
Minnesota also signed defensive back Bobby McCain on Monday, who has experience at cornerback and safety.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.