Which Minnesota Vikings players will have a reduced role during the upcoming 2021 season?
With the new season comes new expectations for the Minnesota Vikings. This offseason has been a busy one as the Vikings have completely revamped their roster in hopes of competing in the NFC after a disappointing performance last year. Through the NFL Draft and free agency, Minnesota has added plenty of new contributors that should help turn things around.
In order for those new guys to make an impact, however, someone else from last year’s squad has to take a back seat. Some guys who played a lot a season ago may not even make the final roster this year, which is not a bad thing at all.
Minnesota had some success last season despite not qualifying for the playoffs. Young players on both sides of the ball got important experience in the early stages of their careers while working toward larger roles this time around. Justin Jefferson‘s emergence as one of the league’s top receivers helped expand the Vikings’ offense.
Dalvin Cook still had an incredible season even though there was no real offensive line paving the way for him. Kirk Cousins, while not perfect, had an excellent year across the board, and he has provided some hope for the near future.
Defensively, Minnesota’s cornerbacks were thrown into the fire on a weekly basis as injuries depleted the unit. Cameron Dantzler had a solid first season in the league and now he gets to learn under Patrick Peterson. The rest of the defense was a revolving door with a brand new front seven hitting the field this September.
With all of the changes coming to the Vikings, which players are set to take a step back in 2021?