4 underrated free agents that could still make an impact for the Vikings

Gareon Conley – CB

2020 Team: Houston Texans

The Vikings love their first-round cornerbacks. Gareon Conley was a first-round selection back in 2017, but his career has not gone according to plan. After missing the entire 2020 season, Conley is a free agent and he has not had the signing period he had hoped for.

After just two and a half seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, Conley was shipped off to the Texans for eight games in 2019, and he has not played since. While his career has been a mess, there still might be something worth exploring with Conley. His upside as a younger corner on a cheap deal is exactly what Mike Zimmer seems to love.

Conley intercepted five passes in his second year in the league and returned one to the crib in the process. In three seasons, he has four interceptions and 94 tackles. Taking into account his injury as a rookie that limited him to just one game, Conley has produced quite well, given his experience. He has started 26 of his 31 games and has 29 pass breakups in that span.

The Vikings have a lot of cornerbacks worth playing next season, but taking a chance on Conley at this stage in the offseason could pay off for them down the road. Whether he plays well and earns a second contract to replace Patrick Peterson next summer or signs elsewhere in return for a compensatory pick, Minnesota could benefit from signing him.

Tossing a low-risk deal his way before camp just might be the sneakiest long-term move for the Vikings this offseason.