5 cornerbacks the Vikings should already be thinking about for 2022

Kendall Fuller (Trade via Washington Football Team)

Washington has done a ton over the past few seasons to turn around their defense, but the results have been a bit disappointing, especially in 2021. Big-ticket free-agent William Jackson III has not turned things around for the pass defense, leaving Washington 30th overall in that regard.

Paying two cornerbacks a big chunk of the salary cap without the results they warrant has to be frustrating and it could lead to the second trade out of Washington for Kendall Fuller. Fuller was traded from Washington to Kansas City back in 2018 as part of the Alex Smith deal but returned as a free agent in 2020.

With Jackson likely returning as the team’s top cornerback, Washington would be smart to seek a trade for Kendall Fuller to free up cap space and add pieces elsewhere on the roster. The Vikings, with their fair share of problems in the secondary, could take a flier on the 26-year-old corner.

Fuller has 50 career pass breakups with 58 starts under his belt across six seasons. He’s also racked up 11 interceptions over his career, but his numbers have fluctuated each season.

In 2022, Fuller holds a base salary of just $8 million with no guaranteed money on his current deal, which has him signed through 2023. Minnesota would be able to lock him in for two seasons with no guaranteed money and a cap hit of just over $11 million.

For the money and need it would fill, this is a move that could make plenty of sense for both sides. The Vikings would have to pay up a little bit of cash and an asset to acquire Fuller, but that’s the price to pay to get a starting cornerback in this league.