How will Xavier Rhodes’ time with the Vikings be remembered?
By Dean Jones
Cornerback Xavier Rhodes has a new home following his release by the Minnesota Vikings, but how will his time with the franchise be remembered?
Xavier Rhodes’ time with the Minnesota Vikings is officially over after finally receiving a free-agent offer worth accepting on Thursday.
The Pro Bowler took his time considering every free-agent option available before opting to reportedly sign a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts.
His incredible fall from grace has been well documented and it left the Vikings with no alternative other than to terminate his contract this year and relieve some much-needed cap space.
Minnesota’s cornerback group has been decimated this offseason, with all three of their top options from last season no longer with the franchise. If Anthony Harris is traded in the coming weeks, only safety Harrison Smith will remain from the secondary’s 2019 starters.
This represents a significant problem for the Vikings. They do have substantial capital to draft some high-end corners this year. But rookies at the position tend to take their time when adjusting to the increased pace of the NFL.
Former first-round pick Mike Hughes has had trouble staying healthy and is coming off a broken bone in his neck. Holton Hill does have potential, but he only played in eight regular-season games last season following an eight-game suspension.
Rhodes was reportedly offered a route back to the franchise on a reduced deal but decided to take his chances elsewhere instead. How will the one-time All-Pro be remembered in Minnesota?