If training camp at TCO Performance Center was any indication, the Vikings shouldn’t have an issue getting after opposing quarterbacks this season.
Whether it’s the trio of Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner off the edge, the duo of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave on the interior or any of the rotational pass rusher in between, the Vikings have a ton of talent in that department.
Asked about the group as a whole last month, Greenard sounded like a man on a mission, noting the guys up front are trying to play at such a high level that it doesn’t matter who is playing behind them.
“We don’t accept anything less than a sack,” Greenard said. “That’s the mindset we all have out there. We should be making every single play. It shouldn’t even get to the linebackers or the secondary.”
That might explain why the Vikings feel comfortable moving forward with few cornerbacks at their disposal.
Maybe they believe they can get by with only Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, Jeff Okudah and Dwight McGlothern on the active roster, to go along with Fabian Moreau and Zemaiah Vaughn on the practice squad.
But it wouldn’t be a shock if the Vikings add secondary depth.
Here are five cornerbacks that make sense:
Stephon Gilmore
After serving as a starter for the Vikings last season, Gilmore is still a free agent waiting for the right opportunity to present itself. He turns 35 years old in a few weeks, so he’s well past his prime.
Though he might not have a high ceiling because of his age, Gilmore could still have a high floor as long so long as he’s not asked to do too much. In a vacuum, Gilmore would be a good insurance policy after Murphy, Rodgers and Okudah. Is he interested in being a backup?
Shaq Griffin
If the Vikings came calling with a spot of the active roster, Griffin would be on he next flight to the Twin Cities. He’s currently on the practice squad with the Seattle Seahawks after being cut by them last week.
The experience Griffin has under his belt could be exactly what the Vikings are looking for at the position. He also has familiarity with defensive coordinator Brian Flores, having played for him with the Vikings last season.
Mike Hilton
There’s a chance Hilton signs with the Indianapolis Colts soon after working out with them last week. But he remains unsigned at the moment.
There’s a lot to like about Hilton, as he’s a proven commodity in the slot. He carved out a a niche for himself starring in that role with the Cincinnati Bengals. The biggest issue with Hilton is his inability to play outside. That lack of versatility might not be a fit for the Vikings’ shapeshifting defense.
Duke Shelley
This wouldn’t be the splashiest signing. The stats suggest he’s a replacement-level player, at best.
That said, Shelley had an impressive stretch with the Vikings not too long ago — he started five games for Minnesota in 2022 — and perhaps made a lasting impression in the process. If the Vikings decide to promote Moreau to the active roster in the near future, Shelley would be a nice addition to the practice squad.
Asante Samuel Jr.
As intriguing as Samuel is on the surface, the Vikings would be playing the long game here. It doesn’t sound like Samuel is anywhere close to being ready to contribute on the field after reportedly having a spinal fusion.
He is more or less of an unknown because of his health. But the Vikings may eventually benefit from rolling the dice with Samuel, especially if he returns to form at some point down the road.
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