Minnesota Vikings 2018 season offseason forecast: Cornerbacks

What should the Minnesota Vikings do when it comes to the cornerback position in free agency and the NFL Draft as they prepare for the 2018 NFL season.

The Minnesota Vikings have assembled one of the top defenses in the NFL and used their unit to hold their opponents to an NFL low 275.9 yards per game, earning them the #1 overall defense during the regular season according to NFL.com.

One of the big reasons for the Vikings success is their stable of defensive backs, where they put together a group of cornerbacks who were able to frustrate some of the top wide receivers in the league on a regular basis.

However, the team has some important decisions to make as they head into the 2018 NFL season since two contributors are set to become free agents and others are approaching the time for a contract extension.

Cornerbacks under contract in 2018

• Horace Richardson (ERFA in 2019)
• Trae Waynes (UFA in 2019/5th year option)
• Mackensie Alexander (UFA in 2020)
• Xavier Rhodes (UFA in 2023)

Cornerbacks set to become free agents

• Tramaine Brock (UFA)
• Terence Newman (UFA)
• Marcus Sherels (UFA)

Minnesota could feel comfortable with Rhodes, Waynes, and Alexander having big roles as cornerbacks but the lack of depth on the roster heading into the 2018 season should have the team concerned.

Newman has expressed interest in wanting to return for next season. The Vikings will need to work out a deal with him and special teams ace Marcus Sherels if they want to keep things as normal as possible.

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Offseason options

• Make decisions on Newman and Sherels. Both of these guys should have open invitations back since they are important contributors to the franchise, but working out deals aren’t always as easy as both sides just wanting to return.
• Find depth. Whether it is bringing back Newman, getting free agents, or drafting, Minnesota is going to need to find some players to substitute or rotate into the mix and keep the defense strong.

What the plan should be

Minnesota needs to bring back Terence Newman for one more year to help transition the defense. Alexander seems ready to take on more responsibility, but drafting another corner in the first few rounds could be great!

Letting Brock walk and getting Sherels back for special teams would also be smart moves. Having a solid stable of cornerbacks is very important, and developing the future of the team should be the top priority.

Next: 5 current Vikings that could be gone by next season

What do you think the Minnesota Vikings should do at the cornerback position in free agency and the draft as the team enters the 2018 NFL season? Let us know your plan of attack in the comments section below.