The Minnesota Vikings locked down their lock-down cornerback by giving the talented defensive back a big-money and long-term contract extension.
The Minnesota Vikings are looking to lock down the important pieces of their defense under head coach Mike Zimmer, and they made a big investment in keeping that unit together by locking down a former first round pick.
News came on Sunday, July 30, 2017 on the official Vikings website announcing the signing of cornerback Xavier Rhodes to a long-term extension today, making him one of the highest paid defensive backs in the national football league. The deal will keep Rhodes as a member of the Vikings through the 2022 season.
Here is the announcement of the new deal as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Twitter:
Vikings CB Xavier Rhodes signed a 6-year, $78.126 million extension, including $41M gtd, tying him to Minnesota through 2022, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 30, 2017
Xavier Rhodes came to Minnesota as a talented, but rough-around-the-edges defender who needed to learn to be less physical with receivers down the field. Thankfully, Mike Zimmer made sure he got the attention needed to develop into one of the top corners in the league.
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Named to his first Pro Bowl in 2016, Rhodes had been making a name for himself long before he gained national attention. The former Florida State defensive back was first team All-ACC and ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2010.
With the Vikings, he is given the task of matching up with some of the most elite wide receivers in the NFL. In taking on that task, he has put on several great displays of shutdown play, most notably a game during the 2016 season where he got under the skin of Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
Rhodes had a breakout year last year in several categories, most notably interceptions. The physical corner grabbed 5 picks last season, which is a massive jump in production considering he only had 2 during his first 3 seasons with Minnesota.
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Congratulations to cornerback Xavier Rhodes on earning a massive contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings to keep him a part of the Mike Zimmer defense for many years to come. Now, the talented defender can focus on his play on the field and not worry about working out a deal during the season.