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.

Related Articles

Mizutani: Vikings reacquiring Adam Thielen evokes memories of Randy Moss

After growing up a Vikings fan, Carson Wentz fulfills his prophecy

Adam Thielen is back home with the Vikings and he couldn’t be happier

The Loop: Nipsey Russell’s 2025 NFL Preview

Homecoming! Vikings bring Adam Thielen home to Minnesota via trade

By BOB FERRANTE

Alabama hasn’t looked the same since coach Nick Saban’s retirement. It raises speculation about the future of his replacement, Kalen DeBoer.

The eighth-ranked Crimson Tide have dropped three of their last four games following a 31-17 loss at Florida State on Saturday, a game in which the Seminoles bullied Alabama on both of the ball. The Tide are now 2-5 away from home during DeBoer’s 14-game tenure — with four of those losses coming as a double-digit favorite.

“Not going to live in regret,” DeBoer said. “We got to go fix it and be better because of it and evaluate the film and move on.”

Florida State quarterback Tommy Castellanos said this summer that Saban wasn’t around “to save Alabama,” and he didn’t see the Crimson Tide stopping the Seminoles. After racking up 230 yards rushing, Castellanos and Florida State clearly backed up his bold statement.

Coupled with managing just 87 yards on the ground, there were plenty of questions about Alabama’s seemingly downward spiral. The loss at Vanderbilt last October was shocking. But then the Tide played even worse in losses to two more unranked opponents: Oklahoma and Michigan. And then the latest one, which came at the hands of a revamped FSU squad that had dropped 11 of its previous 13.

Now the Tide look like they need a rebuild, having gone 5-5 since beating Georgia 11 months ago.

Simply put, Alabama looks like it has a small margin for error. The Tide face Louisiana-Monroe and Wisconsin before a bye week. And then, yes, a road trip to Georgia to open the Southeastern Conference slate on Sept. 27.

Does the season-opening loss put pressure on Alabama players?

“Feel the pressure is not necessarily the way I would put it,” Alabama center and team captain Parker Brailsford said. “I would say the urgency to go out and do the right things, but I already felt that.”

The matchup against Florida State, which was coming off a 2-10 season, appeared to favor Alabama. The Crimson Tide feature veteran, experienced linemen on both sides of the ball and were 13 1/2-point favorites.

But Florida State was the aggressor, and Alabama ended up playing from behind again. DeBoer said going into the game that jumping out to a good start was crucial. After a game-opening, 16-play, 75-yard touchdown drive, Alabama failed to get into the end zone until the fourth quarter.

The Tide were stopped three times on fourth down, each of them in the Seminoles’ territory. On a fourth drive, quarterback Ty Simpson was sacked on third down that forced Alabama’s Conor Talty to attempt a 53-yard field goal that came up short.

“That’s the thing that is frustrating,” DeBoer said.

On defense, Alabama allowed Florida State to pick up 4.7 yards a carry. The Crimson Tide also gave up big plays, from Jaylin Lucas’ 64-yard catch to Squirrel White’s 40-yard reception and Micahi Danzy’s 32-yard touchdown run.

While Florida State’s skill was impressive, Alabama’s tackling was poor, too.

“They did a nice job going sideline to sideline, a lot of things with those fly sweeps that we worked on, prepared for,” DeBoer said. “You get 1 on 1, you get in space and you got a find a way to get them on the ground.”

If there’s optimism for Alabama, it’s the same story for programs like No. 1 Texas and No. 4 Clemson that are dealing with season-opening losses. One loss, especially on the road, does little to knock a team out of contention for the College Football Playoff. But it certainly raises questions.

“We’re behind the eight ball,” Brailsford said. “We got to go 1-0 and strive to be our best day in and day out.”

TRANSPORTATION

Amy Brendmoen

Hourcar, a St. Paul-based provider of car-sharing services, announced that President and CEO Paul Schroeder will transition from his role in September to serve as a senior adviser. The company said Amy Brendmoen will succeed Schroeder as CEO on an interim basis during an executive search process. Brendmoen is a former St. Paul City Council president.

HEALTH CARE

Cassia, an Edina-based operator of nursing facilities, announced Matthew Kern as president and chief executive officer, effective Oct. 1. Kern joined Cassia’s executive leadership team in 2017, most recently serving as chief operating officer.

GRANTS

The Toro Co. Foundation announced that the Dakota Country Library is receiving a $50,000 grant as part of the Greenspace Enhancement Grant Program. The project is for Wentworth Library in West St. Paul. The Toro Co. is a Bloomington-based maker of lawn mowers and snow-removal machines for consumers and businesses.

HONORS

The Women in Manufacturing Association announced that Virginia Ashlock Harn, manufacturing principal at accounting firm CliftonLarsonAllen in Minnesota, is among 12 2025 inductees nationwide.

LAW

Fredrikson, Minneapolis, announced that attorney Colin S. Seaborg has joined the firm’s Trusts & Estates Group in the Minneapolis office.

MANUFACTURING

Apogee Enterprises, a Bloomington-based provider of architectural windows and related products for commercial construction, announced the following executive changes: Troy Johnson named president of the company’s Architectural Metals Segment, succeeding Nick Longman; and Matt Christian has been named resident of the Architectural Services Segment, succeeding Johnson. … Winnebago Industries, an Eden Prairie-based maker of large recreational vehicles, motorhomes and watercraft, announced the following leadership changes: Jeff Haradine named senior vice president – Marine, president – Barletta Boats; Casey Tubman named group president – Newmar and Winnebago Motorized; Ashis Bhattacharya, senior vice president of advanced technology, corporate ventures and engineering services, will retire, effective Oct. 3; Steve Speich, SVP – enterprise operations and product technology, will assume responsibility for advanced technology and engineering services; Amber Holm will become SVP – chief marketing and experience officer; Bryan Hughes named SVP – chief financial officer, investor relations, information technology and business development.

NONPROFITS

YWCA Minneapolis has welcomed Linda Domholt as chief development officer. Domholt previously served as vice president of advancement at Groves Learning Organization, St. Louis Park.

RETAIL

Winmark Corp., Plymouth-based franchisor of retail resale chains, announced the following board changes: Jenele C. Grassle will not stand for reelection and Keith Credendino has been added to the board. Credendino is chief information and technology officer at Macy’s. Winmark’s franchised brands include Plato’s Closet, Once Upon A Child, Play It Again Sports, Style Encore and Music Go Round. … Twin Cities Premium Outlets, Eagan, announced that sports footwear company Vans is opening an outlet location.

RECREATION

MarineMax, a global retailer and servicer of recreational watercraft, announced it has named Thomas “TJ” Ortmann as general manager of MarineMax Rogers and MarineMax Excelsior. Ortmann began his career with the company as an offsite sales team lead at MarineMax Rogers in 2008.

SERVICES

C.H. Robinson Worldwide, an Eden Prairie-based global provider of third-party shipping logistics for business, announced the appointment of Edward Feitzinger to its board of directors. Feitzinger is a partner at Rebar Advisors, a strategic advisory firm. … St. Paul-based Ecolab, which provides businesses with sanitary protection products and services and also runs several related subsidiaries, announced it has appointed Julie P. Whalen to the board of directors as an independent director. Whalen has served as executive vice president and chief financial officer at Expedia Group and Williams-Sonoma, and as a director of Expedia Group. … 4M Building Solutions, a national provider of cleaning, janitorial, housekeeping and disinfection services for business, announced that Joe Woodington has been hired as business development director for Minnesota. The company’s local operations are in Brooklyn Park.

Related Articles

Business People: Great Clips promotes Rob Goggins to CEO

Twin Cities mom wants to help you have ‘The Talk’ with your kids

Target insider Michael Fiddelke named CEO

Business People: Toro names Edric Funk president and COO

Center for School Change gets new director, name change

EMAIL ITEMS to businessnews@pioneerpress.com.

Minnesota United has completed one of its main loose ends going into next season. The Loons and wingback Anthony Markanich have agreed to a new contract, a source told the Pioneer Press this weekend.

Markanich was set to become a free agent at the end of the 2025 season, but will now remain a member of the Loons for years to come. In July, The Athletic reported Markanich’s camp was “entertaining pre-contract offers from abroad,” including one Belgian club, per Tom Bogert.

Markanich is earning near the league minimum at $104,000 in guaranteed compensation, according to the MLS Players Association. He will receive a raise in his new deal.

Markanich is one of six key players with up-in-the-air futures with the club. MLS All-Star goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair and injured midfielder Hassani Dotson will be free agents, while veterans Michael Boxall, Wil Trapp and Robin Lod are under club options for 2026.

Markanich, a 25-year-old Illinois native, has developed into a mainstay at left wingback under head coach Eric Ramsay. His play along the back line has allowed Joseph Rosales to move into central midfield in August.

Markanich has contributed six goals and one primary assists in more than 1,500 minutes across 26 matches, including 19 starts. He has added two goals in the U.S. Open Cup and one more in Leagues Cup this year.

He has received good marks in defensive stats compared to other fullbacks, per his FBref.com scouting report.

Ramsay said he was impressed with Markanich’s tenacity to score, particularly on set pieces, during training sessions a year ago and that is has come to fruition this year.

The Loons acquired Markanich in a deadline-day trade from St. Louis City last August. The Loons paid a paltry $50,000 in GAM (General Allocation Money) to St. Louis for Markanich, with St. Louis able to receive $100,000 more if performance metrics were met.

Markanich didn’t register a goal nor an assist in only 62 minutes for Minnesota last year.

The Colorado Rapids drafted the Illinois native 26th overall in the 2022 MLS draft. After a career at Northern Illinois, he played 574 minutes across two years for Colorado and then 1,968 in two years for St. Louis. He had only one goal and no primary assists over that four-year span.