2022 Looks to Be Cam Bynum’s Year at Safety
The Minnesota Vikings have been rather quiet to this point in free agency, and as a result, they have lost a couple of players to other teams. First off, depth interior offensive lineman Mason Cole decided to sign a three-year deal to become a Pittsburgh Steeler. Cole started seven games with the Vikings between right guard and center and should be a solid piece for Pittsburgh’s run blocking.
Then most notably, Minnesota lost one of their starting safeties from 2021, Xavier Woods, to the Carolina Panthers. Woods also signed a three-year contract with Carolina; his being worth $15.75 million. This is important because it opens the door for second year player Cam Bynum to be a full-time starter in 2021.
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Bynum joined the Vikings as a fourth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft–a direct result of the Stefon Diggs trade. The rookie safety initially was buried on the depth chart behind Woods and Harrison Smith. However, because of Smith’s stint on the COVID list, we got to see a glimpse of what Bynum could bring to the team. It looked pretty dang good.
In his first career start against the Baltimore Ravens, Cam Bynum intercepted a pass and showed some really solid instincts. He started three games, leaving the third with an injury, but in those first two games he recorded 18 tackles, two pass defenses, and a sack. Bynum ended up appearing in 14 games over the course of the 2021 season. In the end, he finished the year with 28 tackles and three pass defenses. His impact was also felt on special teams as he appeared in over 60% of the Vikings special team snaps in nine of those games.
At the end of the day, this shouldn’t have been considered too much of a surprise. Between Bynum’s success in limited time and Woods’ predictably high price tag, it seemed inevitable that the veteran would end up walking. There are some big shoes to fill for Bynum, as Woods recorded career-highs in tackles, pass defenses, and interceptions, but he seems capable of stepping in, giving the Vikings defense some young blood.
One final note to keep in mind, though. Minnesota should try to bring in another veteran to at least compete for that starting spot and provide some depth. The Vikings already have an aging Harrison Smith at safety, so any insurance they can get needs to be considered. Someone to keep an eye on for this spot would be Denver free agent, Kareem Jackson.
