Terence Newman will reportedly return to the Minnesota Vikings on a new one-year deal worth $3 million.
Last year the Vikings brought in Terence Newman to provide veteran insurance in the defensive backfield while rookie Trae Waynes developed.
It’s hoped that Waynes can take the next step in 2016 and lock down a starting cornerback spot, but if he can’t, old reliable Newman will reportedly be ready to step in again.
Terence Newman has agreed to a 1-year, $3M deal to stay with #Vikings, source said.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2016
The 37-year-old Newman started all 16 games for the Vikings last year, 15 at cornerback and one at safety. He finished with a team-high three interceptions, adding 12 passes defensed and 52 tackles.
Were there times when Newman really looked his age last year? Yeah, there were. But Mike Zimmer clearly trusts the vet and believes that he can still step in and get the job done if need be.
If the Vikings need Newman to play cornerback because Waynes still isn’t ready, he can do that. If the Vikes need him in a pinch at slot cornerback, he can manage the job. If the Vikings need Newman to play safety?
The Vikings did pick up veteran safety Michael Griffin and re-sign safety Andrew Sendejo, but you never know.
Point is, Newman knows Zimmer’s scheme better than anyone and has shown that he can step in pretty much wherever you need him. Guys like that have value.
Next: Rhett Ellison re-signs with Vikings
With this move, the Vikings now have their top five 2015 corners coming back for 2016. Marcus Sherels also just re-signed for two years.
The Vikings did lose cornerback Josh Robinson to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but I’m guessing they’re not too worried about that particular development.