Vikings Ink Cornerback Jalil Carter to Futures Contract
By Dan Zinski
A CFL player named Carter has signed with the Vikings. Sorry fans, not that one. This guy is a cornerback who had a brief stint with the Rams.
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The Vikings’ defensive backfield improved somewhat in 2014, but not enough to satisfy Mike Zimmer. In hopes of taking another step forward in developing a strong secondary, the Vikings have been adding talent this offseason. Recently they signed former Chiefs cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke, and today they added former CFL corner Jalil Carter.
A one-time Akron Zip, the 6-1 Carter was signed as a UDFA by the St. Louis Rams in 2011 and lasted through training camp before being cut. Carter then decided to take the CFL route, last playing in Canada for the Toronto Argonauts.
Maybe this is significant and maybe it isn’t, but Carter has also played some receiver in his time. At 6-1, he’s another bigger defensive back like DeMarcus Van Dyke. Clearly the Vikings are looking to get larger and more physical in their secondary, which makes sense when you consider the struggles of Captain Munnerlyn and Josh Robinson, both of whom got pushed around by bigger wide outs and tight ends last year.
Who knows if this bargain shopping will ultimately yield a useful player. You have to believe the Vikes will at least think about dipping into the free agent market for a cornerback later this year. There will be some intriguing names available.