5 best Minnesota Vikings cornerbacks of the 21st century

3. Brian Williams (2002 – 2005)

During a stretch of seasons where the Vikings’ defense was among the NFL’s worst, Williams was one of the team’s few bright spots on the defensive side of the ball.

In 2003, his second year with Minnesota, the team named him one of their two starting cornerbacks. Williams responded well, finishing the season with 77 total tackles, 16 pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and five interceptions (including one returned for a touchdown).

Williams had a knack for causing turnovers during his time with the Vikings. His 12 interceptions from 2002 to 2005 are the second-most by a Minnesota cornerback during the 21st century.

He was switched to nickel corner in 2005 after the Vikings signed Fred Smoot. Williams did okay in the slot, but Minnesota decided not re-sign him in 2006 when he became a free-agent.