5 free-agent cornerbacks to replace Jeff Gladney on the Vikings
By Dean Jones
Gareon Conley
Although Gareon Conley might not have lived up to being a first-round pick so far, he is a solid NFL performer that has experience covering from the slot or on the outside with equal effectiveness.
This is something that could help the Minnesota Vikings following their decision to part ways with Jeff Gladney just one season into his professional career. Mike Zimmer’s preference for stockpiling cornerbacks is well documented, so taking a look at Conley isn’t the worst idea in the world by any stretch.
Of course, Conley has to prove he is now fit and firing on all cylinders.
The Ohio State product missed the entire 2020 season after the Houston Texans acquired him via trade from the Las Vegas Raiders before the 2019 trade deadline, which was a gamble that did not pay off for the franchise.
There wouldn’t be a great deal of pressure on Conley coming in and making an immediate impression. The Vikings have much better depth at the position than they did this time last year, so it would allow the player to adjust slowly to new surroundings before potentially becoming part of the rotation.
It’s worth remembering that Coney is still just 26 years old. Providing there are no further complications on the health front, his best football might be ahead of him.