Vikings Reportedly Sign CB Terence Newman to One-Year Deal

The Vikings may have missed out on Michael Johnson but there are plenty of other old Mike Zimmer players who are eager to hook up with their former coach for one more ride.

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Yesterday Minnesota made it official with former Bengals safety Taylor Mays, who likely will be plugged into a rover role in the Vikings’ nickel packages. Today the Vikings reportedly added Mays’ old Cincinnati defensive back running mate Terence Newman on a one-year deal.

Newman visited the Vikings early last week but took some time before making up his mind to sign. Newman also visited the Patriots but was passed over by New England, so it was back to Minnesota to accept Rick Spielman’s (probable) lowball offer.

When asked this morning about Newman at the Owners Meetings in Arizona, Mike Zimmer gave a very Zimmer sort of response:

Zimmer asked about FA CB Terence Newman: “I think it’ll happen.” Why do they want him? “Because he can still play."
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) March 25, 2015

The 36-year-old Newman was given a slightly-below-average -2 grade by PFF last year, still good enough to rank him above more highly-touted free agents like Brandon Browner (-5) and Tarell Brown (-4.6).

Even at his age, Newman is likely a better option at cornerback than either Captain Munnerlyn or Josh Robinson. Munnerlyn can now move to full time slot duty and Robinson can be shifted to fourth corner.

Clearly this is a stopgap move by the Vikings as they continue the process of identifying a possible long-term answer at cornerback. Draft prospect Trae Waynes is believed to be high on their list and will still be a potential target with the 11th overall pick regardless of this signing.

Next: Mike Priefer Seeking Cullen Loeffler's Replacement

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