Four Vikings who shouldn’t be handed their starting job in 2023

Cam Bynum – S

Cam Bynum started all 17 games in 2022 which wasn’t a surprise. He burst onto the scene as a rookie and played very well in spot duty. Maybe it was the scheme or maybe the real Cam Bynum showed up but he just didn’t do a heck of a lot last year.

Bynum was always the guy who just sort of showed up at the end of the play to be the last guy to make the hit on the pile or to touch a guy down with his hand. While he did have two interceptions, he had no forced fumbles, no sacks, no tackles for a loss, and didn’t recover a fumble either. He just didn’t bring a lot of splash plays to the Vikings’ defense.

Of all the guys on this list, Bynum is the least likely to be handed the starting job just because he held it a year ago. Lewis Cine should be ready to roll in camp and he’ll be a favorite to start. Harrison Smith, who was once seen as a potential cut candidate, should also be brought back to be in Flores‘ system where he’s a perfect fit. Josh Metellus is also in the mix and he played well when called upon in 2022.

Bynum actually has an uphill battle to be named the starter and if he does earn that job, it’ll mean he’s playing lights out and that is a win-win for all involved.