5 cornerbacks the Vikings should already be thinking about for 2022
By Luke Parrish
The Minnesota Vikings have to address the secondary during the 2022 offseason.
Defensively, the Minnesota Vikings have taken a huge step back over the past two seasons. What was once their calling card has quickly turned into their demise. Rick Spielman was bashed for drafting cornerbacks early and often but when that trend stopped, so did the team’s defensive success.
Yes, Mike Hughes and Jeff Gladney were busts for different reasons, but depth at cornerback is vital in the NFL. Mike Zimmer‘s squads were always at their best when Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes were holding down the perimeter.
Patrick Peterson and Bashaud Breeland were exciting free-agent acquisitions for the Vikings heading in 2021, but things have not gone well. Peterson has played pretty well given his age, but availability has been a huge factor for Minnesota all season. Breeland, on the other hand, has been nothing short of terrible.
Cameron Dantzler cannot get consistent reps despite a strong rookie season and his last-second mishap against the Lions will be his signature moment for a long time. Kris Boyd has not been all that impressive this season either.
The simple truth is that the Vikings are a complete mess at cornerback and need to clean that up before the 2022 season begins. Whether through free agency or the NFL Draft, Minnesota has to be aggressive in fixing a very clear weak spot on the defense.
Peterson and Breeland are both set to hit free agency and all things considered, it would be shocking if they return. Peterson’s desire to play for Mike Zimmer, who should ultimately be fired, is probably going to see him play elsewhere next season.
There are plenty of options to turn things around in the secondary in just one offseason. With so many choices, these five guys should be early targets for the Vikings.