Did Trae Waynes just reveal his free agency plans on Instagram?
By Adam Patrick
The free-agent cornerback made a post on his Instagram account on Sunday that might lead some to believe he won’t be re-signing with the Minnesota Vikings.
With the Minnesota Vikings not expected to have a ton of salary cap space this offseason, the chances of them having to say goodbye to some longtime contributors are as high as they’ve ever been since Mike Zimmer became the team’s head coach in 2014.
Among the players who might not return for next season is cornerback Trae Waynes, who is a free agent this year. Zimmer recently commented at the NFL Scouting Combine that he hopes Waynes re-signs with the Vikings this offseason. But Minnesota also knows they might not be able to afford to bring back the veteran cornerback for 2020.
On Sunday, Waynes made a post on his Instagram account that might have potentially revealed if his NFL career will be continuing in the Twin Cities next season.
People can interpret this post however they wish, but it doesn’t seem like it’s pointing to a return to the Vikings this year.
Waynes also included current Minnesota cornerback Xavier Rhodes in his post, which could also be a hint that he is on his way out this offseason too. Rhodes has been mentioned as a possible salary cap casualty this year by the Vikings and Waynes’ post certainly isn’t going to help anyone think otherwise.
If Rhodes and Waynes were to depart this offseason, Minnesota would be left with Mike Hughes, Holton Hill, and potentially Mackensie Alexander (if he re-signs) as the top corners on their roster for 2020.
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Hughes and Hill are talented, but are they ready to take over as full-time starters for the Vikings? Even if they’re not, Minnesota might not have many other options if Rhodes and Waynes are elsewhere next season.