Could Darqueze Dennard become the next Vikings slot corner?
By Dean Jones
The Minnesota Vikings are looking for a slot cornerback to replace Mackensie Alexander and Darqueze Dennard could be their man.
It was a blow when Mackensie Alexander decided to leave the Minnesota Vikings in favor of a fresh challenge. How the Vikings replace him will go a long way to determining their fortunes in 2020.
The talented cornerback turned down a chance to return to Minnesota and opted to pen a one-year, $4 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals instead. His decision to leave the Vikings could have been due to a potential unwillingness to make a permanent transition to the slot corner role he played so well in.
All three of Minnesota’s top cornerbacks from 2019 are no longer with the franchise. Xavier Rhodes was released and he then subsequently signed a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts. Former Vikings first-round pick Trae Waynes also joined the Bengals on a three-year, $42 million.
Significant reinforcements will be needed for Minnesota before training camp begins. They could do worse than looking at Darqueze Dennard as a possible solution to their problems.
Although he has dealt with injuries in recent years, he is still more than capable of having a prominent role in the NFL. Dennard performed well in the slot during his time with the Bengals and he could be a plug-and-play replacement for the departed Alexander.
The Vikings are expected to use top-end draft picks on cornerbacks this year. However, they will still need a veteran presence in the event Holton Hill and Mike Hughes don’t raise their game in 2020.