Speedy Vikings Newcomer Could Be a Dual Threat
The Minnesota Vikings signed Isaiah Rodgers to be a starting cornerback in 2025, or so the theory goes.
One offseason addition for the Vikings could be used in a couple of capacities.
And while that plan seems well on its way to fruition, the Super Bowl champion corner could also undertake returning duties for the 2025 Vikings.
Source? Special teams coordinator Matt Daniels.
Vikings Special Teams Coordinator Pounds the Table for Isaiah Rodgers
Vikings mandatory minicamp is in living color this week, and coaches often speak with the media during the event. Daniels was no exception.
Speaking about Rodgers this week, Daniels opined, “He’s been an elite guy back there with the ball in his hands, and obviously he’s starting at corner right now for us.”
“So, that’ll be a conversation I have to have with the upper management just in terms of good we feel about our CB2 kinda being back there returning kicks but when you look at the impact that this phase is going to have with the ball being put in play and field position mattering so much, we got to be able to kind of weight what the risk reward is going to be just in terms of trying to keep this guy healthy.”
Rodgers is actually the Vikings’ fastest player per 40-yard-dash times at NFL Combines and Pro Days — 4.28 speed.
Daniels added, “Love to have him back there, though. He does (look good back there). There’s not too many guys that can bend and weave through traffic but still maintain good speed as well. He’s got such good hips and start-stop ability that you appreciate and, obviously, he’s got the gas to be able to take away, certain angles and be able to get the ball back to the field.”
Isaiah Rodgers as a Returner
Rodgers has returned 69 kicks in his NFL career, which began in 2020. The Indianapolis Colts, in fact, used Rodgers as their primary kick returner from 2020 to 2022.
The NFL suspended Rodgers for sports gambling in 2023, stunting his career.
Meanwhile, Minnesota, for now, employs RB3 Ty Chandler as the incumbent kick returner, and truth be told, he could be a roster cut candidate later this summer. All signs point to Rodgers as a viable kick returner in 2025, especially with Daniels’ endorsement.
Don’t Forget about CB2
But that doesn’t mean Rodgers’ role in Brian Flores’ defense will be minimized.
The Vikings have not signed free-agent cornerbacks like Jaire Alexander, Mike Hilton, Rasul Douglas, Jack Jones, or Asante Samuel Jr. to date, nor did they draft any in April.
Unless general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah pulls off a surprise CB2 move, Rodgers is in line to start next to Byron Murphy Jr. this season, making him a dual-threat personality — a starting defensive back and electric kick returner.
Vikings’ Returner Duties Totally Up in the Air
Otherwise, if Daniels swerves and doesn’t uplift Rogders or Chandler to kick returning duties, Minnesota could turn to a speedster like WR3 Jalen Nailor or undrafted wideout Silas Bolden this season.
Newcomer cornerback Tavierre Thomas also had some punt and kick returning experience a few years back with the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans.
Janik Eckardt on Isaiah Rodgers
P/PTSD’s Janik Eckardt remarked on Rodgers this week, “Cornerback Isaiah Rodgers was the first player to sign with the Vikings in this year’s free agency class. Because the franchise also added some high-profile players like Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave, and Will Fries, he might fly under the radar among fans, but the coaching staff loves the man.”
“Actually, this year’s returner might be in the spotlight a lot. The NFL adjusted the rules from last year’s changes, moving the touchback from the 30 to the 35-yard line in an attempt to increase the number of shorter kicks, which should directly lead to more returns instead of repeating the 2023 snoozefest and fair catch festival.”
Rodgers is also playing on a team-friendly contract: two years and $11 million.
Eckard added, “In his NFL career, Rodgers has accumulated 69 kick returns for 1,870 yards and one touchdown (a 101-yarder). Most of those attempts came under the old system with the Colts, but he also returned eight kicks as a member of the Eagles last year. Rodgers recorded a 4.28 40-yard dash coming out of college, and he was a standout returner at UMass with 99 returns on his resume.”
“Clearly, Rodgers is Daniels’ favorite at the kick return position, but it remains to be seen whether his fellow coaches let the defender participate in that phase.”
The Vikings will formally name a kick returner near the end of August.
Surprise Rocks Vikings Minicamp
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