REPORT: Terence Newman’s 2018 deal worth less than $1.5 million
By Adam Patrick
The Minnesota Vikings were able to re-sign the veteran cornerback on Monday and it reportedly won’t cost them very much.
After the Minnesota Vikings used their first pick of the 2018 NFL Draft on Central Florida cornerback Mike Hughes, some assumed this to be an indication of Terence Newman not returning for next season.
However, the Vikings announced on Monday that the team and Newman had agreed on a deal for the veteran corner to return for 2018. Newman will turn 40 in September.
His new deal is for one year and the Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson reported on Wednesday that Newman will earn just $1.105 million next season. This is the minimum amount the Vikings were allowed to offer.
That’s a pretty good contract for Minnesota considering how much value Newman brings to the locker room in addition to his abilities still being sufficient on the field. The veteran corner’s presence will be vital in the development of some of the Vikings’ younger defensive backs like Hughes, Mackensie Alexander, and Trae Waynes.
Minnesota Vikings
It sounds like this will be Newman’s very last attempt at a Super Bowl this year though. In a conference call on Tuesday with Minnesota reporters, the Vikings corner talked about the 2018 season likely being the final one of his NFL career.
"“I think this is probably going to be my last (season). I am getting to a point (where) you have to figure out something else that you want to do once you get to my age.I think this will be my last year. No matter what happens, this will be it for me.”"
Since joining the team in 2015, Newman has been an important part in Minnesota’s transformation into one of the league’s top defenses. Considering he’s been working with Mike Zimmer for a good portion of his NFL career (nine of his 15 seasons), the Vikings corner has been someone for younger players to turn to and learn from.
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It wouldn’t be expensive for Minnesota to move on from Newman before the start of next season if needed. But most should expect the corner to be a part of the Vikings’ final 53-man roster for 2018.