Could Darqueze Dennard become the next Vikings slot corner?
By Dean Jones
What would Dennard cost the Vikings?
Darqueze Dennard almost found himself a new home during free agency. But a potential move to the Jacksonville Jaguars fell through at the last minute.
Terms had reportedly been agreed on a three-year, $13.5 million deal that included $6 million guaranteed before a late snag meant the move did not come off. Something in this region could be enough to get him to agree to terms with the Vikings.
Whether the organization wants to give the commitment to an injury-prone player such as Dennard is another matter. Minnesota does have 12 draft picks to strengthen this area and there is a real hope they can get more out of Holton Hill and Mike Hughes in 2020.
Rookie cornerbacks do tend to need time to settle into the NFL and they come with their fair share of problems, no matter the standard of the prospect. Another veteran will be needed in the short term and especially one who has played in the slot with such success.
Dennard represents the best possible option on the free-agent market in this respect. If Minnesota can convince him to potentially take a one-year deal worth around $4 million, then it would give him a chance to prove himself and allow any rookie coming in time to learn what it takes to make it at the next level.