Vikings Add Former Patriots CB, a 2019 Second-Round Pick
Josh Frey
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One of the biggest needs this offseason for the Vikings is at the cornerback position. Even though they signed Byron Murphy early on in free agency, the fact that they’ve lost all three of Kris Boyd, Patrick Peterson, and Duke Shelley while Chandon Sullivan also remains unsigned means that Minnesota needs much more depth at the position heading into the 2023 season.
On Monday morning, the Vikings seem to have taken a step towards filling the rest of that depth by agreeing to terms with former Patriots CB and 2019 second-round pick, Joejuan Williams. The deal was announced via the team’s Twitter account.
Williams was selected with the 45th overall pick in 2019 by New England after a strong collegiate career with the Vanderbilt Commodores. Over three years in the program, the cornerback recorded 119 tackles, 6 TFLs, 25 passes defended, 4 interceptions, and a forced fumble. All of his interceptions came during his final season of 2018 and ranked second in the SEC.
After measuring in at 6’4 and 211 pounds at the NFL scouting combine in 2019, he was a coveted prospect because of his length and size that could bully even the biggest of wide receivers. However, his athleticism and speed in coverage became a concern due to that same size, especially after running a 4.64 40-yard dash.
So far in the NFL, Williams has had a modest career, appearing in 36 games from 2019-21 but only starting one of these games. In all, he recorded 44 tackles and 8 passes defended during these 36 games.
Prior to the start of the season in 2022, Williams suffered a shoulder injury which kept him sidelined for the entirety of the campaign. In all, because of his injury history and lack of starting experience, it’s very likely that this deal is worth close to the minimum, though full details have not been announced as of now.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.