5 free-agent cornerbacks to replace Jeff Gladney on the Vikings

Dre Kirkpatrick

The San Francisco 49ers took a long look at signing Dre Kirkpatrick this week without coming to terms on a deal. However, the veteran might not be on the market for much longer considering the impending injuries that are sure to come with the pads going on at training camps across the country.

There are few with more experience than Kirkpatrick still looking for a new home. The former first-round pick appeared in 14 games for the Arizona Cardinals in 2020 – gaining three interceptions – and he was relatively productive over an eight-year stint with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Considering the options already on the Minnesota Vikings, they could end up going with what they have. But if the injury big strikes once again, there doesn’t appear to be much in the way of reliable depth behind the top-four options.

Much will depend on just how much money Kirkpatrick is after. This was an obvious stumbling block regarding a potential switch to the Niners and even though the Vikings have $13.48 million in cap space remaining, it’s unlikely they’ll be held to ransom.

That being said, Kirkpatrick would bring another locker room leader that has some proven production to call upon. It all depends on whether the Vikings want to strengthen after taking the obvious decision to release Jeff Gladney.