Could Josh Norman solve the Vikings’ cornerback woes?

Cornerback Josh Norman is on the lookout for a new franchise and the Minnesota Vikings could be an option if the price is right.

The Minnesota Vikings need considerable help in their secondary and they could benefit from adding a player like Josh Norman providing he still has something left in the tank.

On Friday, Norman was relieved of his duties with the Washington Redskins after a four-year tenure that brought mixed fortunes. The talented corner stagnated somewhat with the Redskins last season and a new challenge will be welcome.

The Vikings have plenty of questions of their own at the cornerback position heading into free agency. Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander are free agents this year and it is hard to see both staying on with an organization like Minnesota that is expected to be up against it in terms of the salary cap.

Perennial Pro Bowler Xavier Rhodes had significant trouble last season and he is a candidate to be released given his $12.9 million cap hit in 2020.

Add to this the injury problems of Mike Hughes and the Vikings have serious concerns heading into a pivotal offseason that could determine the long-term future of both Rick Spielman and Mike Zimmer.

Norman is no stranger to new Washington head coach Ron Rivera, having enjoyed a standout tenure with the Carolina Panthers that saw him emerge as one of the elite corners in the NFL. That apparently counted for nothing this time around.

Given his inconsistent production, the Redskins felt he was not worth keeping around. But there is nothing to say the eight-year veteran cannot return to the heights of old given the right environment.

A former fifth-round pick out of Coastal Carolina in 2012, Norman quickly emerged as one of the NFL’s brightest young prospects. His time with the Panthers saw him become a true shutdown corner and one of the most feared playmakers in any secondary.

This caught the attention of Washington, who acquired Norman’s services in 2015 after he was selected to the First-Team All-Pro roster. This was thanks to an astronomical five-year, $75 million contract that in hindsight, was another huge mistake from Redskins owner Daniel Snyder.

Whether this was due to the toxic environment that has surrounded Washington for years is up for debate. Norman’s motivation upon receiving the contract of his dreams also could have played a role in his steady decline.

Put these factors into consideration and Norman becomes an intriguing proposition for any team struggling to find good starters at the corner position. He probably would not command the top end money, which suits Minnesota down to the ground. He should also be keen to prove he still has what it takes, providing that fire is still burning inside to compete.

It will be up to the former Pro Bowler to convince the Vikings or any other potential teams that he is willing to step in and contribute right away without causing any disruption.

It is clear that there are big changes coming for Minnesota this offseason. Especially in a depleted secondary that did not perform at an elite level last year.

Minnesota may opt to go for some young, hungry players early in this year’s NFL Draft. But the Vikings have wasted a lot of picks on cornerbacks in the first and second rounds in recent years.

The alternative is to go with veterans who have something to prove on short-term deals and this puts Norman right in the mix.