REPORT: Minnesota Vikings are working on re-signing Terence Newman
By Adam Patrick
Currently a free-agent, the Minnesota Vikings are reportedly trying to bring back the 39-year-old corner for his 16th NFL season.
Heading into the 2018 NFL offseason, the Minnesota Vikings had a total of 18 players scheduled to hit free agency. Of this group, only five have been re-signed by the Vikings this year.
On Wednesday, Minnesota retained one of these free-agents in return-man Marcus Sherels. Since making the Vikings’ roster as an undrafted free-agent in 2010, Sherels will now be entering his ninth NFL season (all with Minnesota).
With him re-signing, veteran cornerback Terence Newman is the only one of the Vikings’ remaining free-agents that is expected to return to the team for 2018.
Minnesota Vikings
According to the Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson on Wednesday, Minnesota is currently in the process of figuring out a possible deal to bring Newman back for next season. Tomasson added that the money being offered to the corner one of the main things that has prevented a contract from already being signed.
Newman agreed to a one-year deal last offseason worth $3.25 million. He probably would like a similar amount for 2018, if not more.
Being that he will be turning 40 in September, the Vikings are likely trying to figure out a way to bring him back for less than he made in 2017. Newman would not be a starter if he returned next season and Minnesota probably doesn’t want to pay him an unnecessary amount to be the team’s third or fourth corner.
Retirement is also something Newman has apparently been considering this year as well. Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said on Tuesday that he spoke to the corner last week and that he’s still looking at his options.
Next: Which remaining 2018 free-agents could the Vikings sign?
As of right now, it sounds like Newman will either be on the field with the Vikings in 2018 or he will hang up his cleats for good. There has been nothing indicating that he would sign elsewhere if something is unable to be worked out with Minnesota.