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Rumor: Vikings not expected to bring back Captain Munnerlyn in 2017

By Adam Patrick

Nov 1, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (24) looks on prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (24) looks on prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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The cornerback is currently a free-agent and some recent information is suggesting that he will not be returning to the Minnesota Vikings next season.

For the past three years, cornerback Captain Munnerlyn has been an integral part of the drastic improvement that has occurred in the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive backfield. Ranked 31st in pass defense back in 2013, the Vikings finished the 2016 season with the NFL’s third best defense when it came to stopping the pass.

Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (24) during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (24) during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

If Minnesota hopes to continue holding its place as one of the league’s best defenses in 2017, it will likely be done without the services of Munnerlyn.

At least according to the Star Tribune’s Matt Vensel, who is predicting that the Vikings will opt to not re-sign the 28-year-old cornerback this offseason.

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"“Their second-round selection of young cornerback Mackensie Alexander last spring and their current interest in free agent K’Waun Williams suggests (Munnerlyn’s) time is up here.”– Matt Vensel, Star Tribune"

It should not be surprising if Minnesota does in fact decide to move on from Munnerlyn. Although he has been a solid piece of their defense for the last three seasons, the Vikings basically drafted his replacement in Alexander last year.

As of Wednesday, Minnesota’s current cornerbacks under contract for 2017 are Alexander, Jabari Price, Xavier Rhodes, Tre Roberson, Marcus Sherels, and Trae Waynes. Besides Rhodes, the majority of the Vikings’ corners are still unproven.

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Due to this being the case, one should expect Minnesota to add another veteran cornerback through free agency before the start of next season.

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