Well-Known Ex-Vikings Corner Boosts Bid to Get Back into NFL
How does a 26-year-old corner with good size sound? Add in that he was a 3rd-Round selection, has 37 career games of experience, and can be a strong tackler. Not too bad, right?
Cameron Dantlzer, the ex-Vikings corner, is now putting in work for the UFL. More specifically, he’s helping out on defense for the Memphis Showboats. Dantzler recently made some noise on social media for snagging an interception and bringing it back for a score.
Ex-Viking Cameron Dantzler and The Journey Back to the NFL
The corner hasn’t been shy about wanting back into NFL action.
In fact, his social media has been a spot for him to articulate where his mind and body are at. In March, the defender sent along this thought: “God is great man, was in a bad mental space months ago but got thru it. I appreciate everyone who never gave up on me and stood by my side. God has given me another opportunity and can’t wait to take advantage of it.”
Earlier, he noted that he’s “195 and healthy.”
Not too long ago, Vikings Territory jumped into the Dantlzer conversation.
Consider some of the word: “Drafted at No. 89 back in 2020, the major concern for Dantzler was his speed, or lack thereof. He ran a 4.64 forty, suggesting he would struggle to hang with receivers at the pro level, especially down the field. What he did offer, though, was good size alongside a willingness to tackle.”
Further: “His rookie season featured 46 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 4 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. As a sophomore, Dantzler snagged 53 tackles, 1 interception, 8 passes defended, and 1 forced fumble.”
Now go ahead and consider a recent play. The clip above shows Cameron Dantzler reading things perfectly before putting points on the board.
Facing 3rd & 5, the offense is quite likely to pass, especially since there are four pass catchers running routes immediately before the running back releases, as well. Dantzler is playing off coverage, allowing him to read what’s taking place in front of him. He sees his receiver sit down just past the first down line, allowing the defensive back to trigger to jump the route.
No, we’re not talking about a complex route, but Dantzler nevertheless shows some nice ability to click and close. Even better is that he extends his arms to catch the ball with his hands before separating easily for the score.
The UFL’s website indicates that Dantzler has accumulated 10 tackles to stand alongside his interception. He has been involved in four games.
After his time with the Vikings, Cameron Dantzler went on a wild ride. The ex-Viking played for several other NFL teams. The journey involved stops in Washington, Buffalo, Houston, and New Orleans. The positive is that he kept getting opportunities; the downside is that he never found a lasting home.
Cameron Dantzler is now looking to show an NFL team that he’s worth taking a shot on once again. Continuing to make plays like the one above could be enough to generate some interest from a corner-needy team, but the Vikings are very unlikely to be among them.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
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K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter and Bluesky (@VikingsGazette). If you feel so inclined, subscribe to his Substack, The Vikings Gazette, for more great Vikings content.
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