Analyst suggests the Minnesota Vikings add a veteran backup at a key position
Minnesota signed Isaiah Rodgers in free agency, but he has only had 13 starts since 2020. On the other side, former top-three pick Jeff Okudah is looking to battle with third-year cornerback Mekhi Blackmon, who is coming off an ACL tear.
The coaching staff has expressed their optimism in the room, but what if injuries strike again? Even if these players were to all pan out, there isn't much proven depth behind them. Matt Holder of Bleacher Report believes that the Vikings should swing a trade for a veteran before the season kicks off.
With Byron Murphy Jr. covering the slot in nickel personnel, the Vikings are expected to start Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah at the two cornerback spots on the boundary. Rodgers and Okudah were backups for the Eagles and Texans, respectively, a year ago, so it couldn't hurt to add another veteran into the mix.
Rodgers will be counted on to start. Okudah's spot on the roster, let alone the starting lineup, isn't a guarantee. But there are also free agent options, such as Rasul Douglas and Stephon Gilmore, who started 15 games for the Vikings last season.
Perhaps the Vikings are waiting to see how their current room plays out before contacting Gilmore, who will turn 35 in September. Minnesota didn't sign him until mid-August the previous season, but his familiarity with Brian Flores' system helped facilitate his transition. Maybe we see the same scenario play out this year.
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