5 free-agent cornerbacks the Vikings could sign in 2021
By Chris Schad
Jason Verrett
Jason Verrett has performed well when he’s on the field and in 2020, he was able to stay on it. Playing in 13 games for the San Francisco 49ers this past season, Verrett recorded two interceptions and seven pass deflections.
The 29-year-old also ranked 14th by PFF among qualifying corners allowing 0.82 yards per coverage snap and 18th with a 78.3 passer rating allowed.
Of course, with those numbers came the risk of injury. Verrett has battled several injuries throughout his career and even the 49ers, they signed him to two separate one-year contracts before he finally paid off last season.
With the Vikings also having a similar player (in terms of injury history) in Mike Hughes, it would be questionable if the Vikings would want to bring aboard a player with similar risk.
But the numbers that Verrett put up would be welcomed on the Vikings’ defense. Assuming Verrett can stay healthy, he could solidify an outside spot across from Dantzler, which would allow Gladney to focus on mastering the slot position.
While the Vikings probably don’t want their first-round pick to become a slot corner, Gladney’s sticky style of play suggests he might be the best candidate they have at the moment.
Pro Football Focus projected that Verrett could command a contract of $5 million a season, which the Vikings could work with after cap cuts. As PFF’s eighth-ranked cornerback, the Vikings could do worse.