Former Viking No. 2
Bashaud Breeland - CB
Vikings fans rejoiced when the team signed sexy free agent cornerback Bashaud Breeland in June of 2021. Breeland had some very good years in Washington, showing a real knack and willingness to come up and make a hit. He had seasons of 66, 81, and 73 tackles. His pass coverage was also solid as he racked up double-digit pass breakups his first four seasons in the league.
After his time in Washington, double-digit Breeland spent a year in Green Bay before signing with the Chiefs. He had a couple of resurgent years there, starting 26 games with four interceptions. The Vikings needed more veteran depth at cornerback prior to the start of training camp and were able to sign Breeland to a one-year deal.
Warning signs surrounded Breeland in his first preseason game against the Chiefs. He was absolutely torched by Tyreek Hill, and while many fans just chalked it up to the preseason, it was a clear sign of things to come. Breeland was awful during his time with the Vikings.
He was a major liability in coverage, getting beaten badly at least once every game. His tackling, which used to be his bread and butter, also took a major decline, and he began missing more tackles than he was making.
He was also a problem off the field, as his brash attitude clashed with coaches and teammates. He made some vulgar posts on social media and even got into some verbal altercations with a reporter.
Things really came to a head in December of that year when Breeland got into an altercation with Dalvin Cook and Sheldon Richardson before general manager Rick Speilman had to step in and break it up.
Breeland's time in Minnesota was pretty much a disaster, and if any fans remember him down the road, it will be for him being one of the more infamous signings in team history.