How will Trae Waynes’ time with the Vikings be remembered?
By Dean Jones
Waynes’ free-agent deal
Trae Waynes did not last long on the free-agent market this year before signing with the Bengals. The cornerback reportedly agreed to a three-year, $42 million contract with Cincinnati, which includes a $15 million signing bonus and a further $15 million in guarantees.
This represents a substantial commitment from the Bengals and one that kept other potential suitors from acquiring the corner.
The Vikings were never going to be in a position to offer Waynes this sort of deal. Their salary cap difficulties are well documented and they have a lot of other pressing priorities in the coming weeks.
Plenty of eyebrows were raised when Waynes received this much money given his inconsistent play over the last two seasons. It is great news for him, who can now move on and hope for improvements in a different environment.
Keeping Waynes around on a discounted deal might have worked for the Vikings. But with Mackensie Alexander also reportedly leaving for the Bengals, Minnesota’s cornerback options are set to be decimated and it currently leaves them with just Mike Hughes and Holton Hill for 2020.
This is something that will obviously change during the free agency period or the upcoming NFL Draft. A fresh start for both the Vikings and Waynes was probably best for all parties and one that could prove to be mutually beneficial heading into 2020.