5 cornerbacks the Vikings should already be thinking about for 2022
By Luke Parrish
Carlton Davis (Free Agency)
Carlton Davis has emerged as a stud for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It’s not often that a young cornerback as talented as Davis hits the market. At just 25 years old when the 2022 season begins, Davis is sure to have a bunch of suitors unless he is handed the Franchise Tag.
Minnesota lacks physicality from its corners and that’s where Davis fits into the plan. He’s an aggressive, albeit sometimes too aggressive, man-to-man cornerback that could drastically change the outlook of the Vikings’ defense.
Prior to signing Patrick Peterson in 2021, the Vikings were reportedly in talks to sign now-Jacksonville Jaguar Shaquill Griffin to a sizeable contract. Griffin, more of a zone coverage defender, would easily be the top coverage guy on the Vikings this season. They should be expected to attempt another splash in free agency in 2022.
The Vikings have made their free-agent splashes on defense lately and that should stay true moving forward. Anthony Barr is set to open up a lot of cap space after re-structuring prior to this season and Minnesota would be smart to allocate his money to other areas of need.
Injuries slowed down Davis this season, but his production has been unreal since taking on a starting job with the Bucs. He has recorded 45 pass breakups over his past 33 games to go along with six interceptions, two forced fumbles, and 146 tackles.
That is incredible production from a young cornerback and he will be worth every penny in free agency.