Which Minnesota Vikings players stand to benefit most from their 2021 free-agent signings so far?
It’s been an eventful start to free agency for the Minnesota Vikings, who’ve done wonders to comply with the new financial regulations and make some notable signings in the process. The expected sacrifices were made for the greater good and although the recruitment period is still in its infancy, things are going perhaps even better than expected.
General manager Rick Spielman deserves an exceptional amount of credit for getting the Vikings under the cap. Not only this, he gave them enough flexibility to acquire some talent that should serve them well as the organization looks to make a return to the postseason in 2021.
With a bounty of NFL Draft picks to call upon next month, Minnesota might have a team that is more than competitive next time around. The solid core of Pro Bowl-caliber players is still there and with a few improvements in key positional groups, they should be a force to be reckoned with.
The new signings over the last week of free agency will certainly help. Who are some of the Vikings players that stand to benefit most from the recent acquisitions?
Player No. 1
Jeff Gladney – CB
There were a lot of encouraging signs for Jeff Gladney to take from his first season with Minnesota. The cornerback went through his fair share of growing pains, which is not uncommon for rookie players at the position. But the strides he made down the stretch should ensure the 2020 first-round pick has a big part to play moving forward.
The arrival of Patrick Peterson from the Arizona Cardinals is set to do wonders for Gladney’s development. Learning from an All-Pro veteran who was the best in the business once upon a time is a significant shot in the arm and one that could take the TCU product’s game to new heights.
Whether Peterson lines up as a cornerback or on the backend following the departure of Anthony Harris is irrelevant. Gladney should be bending his ear every chance he gets in a bid to further progress before competitive action begins next season.