Another Quality Free Agent CB Is Off the Board
Josh Frey
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One of the big needs for the Minnesota Vikings this offseason has been at the cornerback spot. They added Byron Murphy, a versatile player who can play either in the slot or on the outside, in free agency while drafting Mekhi Blackmon and Jay Ward this past weekend.
However, the question as to who will actually get the CB2 job is still up in the air. Murphy more than likely gets the CB1 spot because of what the Vikings spent on him in free agency, and the fact that he is the only cornerback on the Vikings roster right now with extensive NFL experience.
Regardless, if the Vikings want to add another cornerback, they will need to act quickly because options are quickly drying up. Another quality free agent CB went off the free agency board on Tuesday afternoon.
As reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN, veteran CB Rock Ya-Sin has officially agreed to a contract with the Baltimore Ravens. The deal is a one-year contract worth up to a total of $6 million.
Ya-Sin, the 34th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, joins the Ravens after stints with the Indianapolis Colts (the team that drafted him) and the Las Vegas Raiders. He spent his first three years in Indy from 2019-2021, playing in 41 games (including 29 starts) and recording 138 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 15 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries.
After those three years in Indianapolis, he was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders in March 2022 where he spent this past season.
He played 11 games for the Raiders, making nine starts, before being placed on IR in December. He allowed a career-best 82.5 opposing passer rating in coverage, per Pro Football Focus, allowing 31 receptions for 323 yards and a touchdown on 58 targets. He has improved in this area in each of the past three seasons, dropping from a 105.0 in 2020, to a 93.4 in 2021, and now the 82.5 in 2022.
Considering the Vikings have just one cornerback on the roster with more than two games of NFL starting experience, it seems reasonable that they would try to find another veteran piece in order to help lead the young players at the position.
However, to this point, Minnesota has seemed content to stock up on this young talent and work towards the future in the secondary. These young Vikings have made their voices heard in regard to anyone doubting their ability to play in big moments as well. Perhaps the Vikings will add another corner in free agency, but for now, the young talent looks very promising.
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.