How will Trae Waynes’ time with the Vikings be remembered?
By Dean Jones
Will the Vikings miss Waynes?
A lot will depend on what happens in the next few weeks as to whether Trae Waynes will be missed in the Vikings’ locker room or not.
The cornerback had his fair share of problems on the field as was found wanting on a number of different occasions in 2019. His flaws covering on the outside were prominent features of his play down the stretch.
This is something that played a huge role in Minnesota falling short in the divisional round of the playoffs against the San Francisco 49ers last season. Waynes and Xavier Rhodes needed to step up last season and they both failed to do so.
If former first-round pick Mike Hughes stays injury free then there is a chance he can make a successful transition into a starting spot for the Vikings in 2020. If Holton Hill can also make strides, then his ability to contribute should also increase next season.
Minnesota needs to get better at the cornerback position and keeping someone around like Waynes was not the way to go about it. His confidence has taken a substantial knock in recent seasons and though he is still young enough to turn around his career, this does not normally happen in the same place where it all went wrong.
Waynes has the ability to reach the heights expected of a high-end NFL Draft pick. The last thing Minnesota needs is an undependable player at a critical position that could cost them in big moments.