Vikings Rumors: Minnesota reportedly has interest in former Falcons safety
By Adam Patrick
As they continue to talk to free agents this week, the Minnesota Vikings are reportedly interested in signing former Atlanta Falcons safety Keanu Neal.
After the first day of the unofficial 2021 free agency period, the Minnesota Vikings came away with two new additions to their defense in linebacker Nick Vigil and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson.
Vigil figures to play more of a backup role next season while most are assuming Tomlinson will take over as the Vikings‘ starting three-technique in the middle of their defensive line. Both should be able to help Minnesota’s defense take steps back in the right direction after a disappointing performance from the unit in 2021.
Following these two new additions to their roster, it doesn’t sound like the Vikings are done looking for more help on the defensive side of the ball in free agency. In fact, Minnesota has been reportedly showing interest in multiple defenders that make their living in the secondary.
Vikings Rumors: Keanu Neal reportedly getting some interest from Minnesota
Anthony Harris is a free agent this year and even though the Vikings are reportedly trying to see if they can re-sign him, they’ve also been looking at another free-agent safety.
Minnesota has reportedly shown interest in signing former Atlanta Falcons safety Keanu Neal according to KSTP’s Darren Wolfson on Tuesday.
Neal was a first-round pick of the Falcons back in 2016 and he made the Pro Bowl during his second year with the team. During the last three seasons, however, the 25-year-old safety has only appeared in 19 of a possible 48 games due to suffering a torn ACL in 2018 and then a torn Achilles in 2019.
When Neal has actually been on the field, he’s been solid. During the three seasons in which he played in 14 games or more, he ended up finishing with at least 100 total tackles. He’s performed well in both pass coverage and as a run defender during his NFL career in addition to being an underrated blitzer.
If talks breakdown between Minnesota and Harris, Neal would definitely be an intriguing backup plan. His injury history is a bit scary, but if the Vikings are looking for a solid veteran safety who still has plenty of upside, Neal is certainly someone to consider.