Buffalo Strikes Again: Promising Former Vikings CB Becomes a Bill
K. Joudry
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The curious case of Cameron Dantzler has taken another turn. The former Vikings CB has had a wild start to his NFL career.
Since being a 3rd-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, the talented corner has been a starter and a backup in Minnesota (by a pair of coaching staffs). He has battled injuries and was eventually waived. He was claimed by Washington but then he was let go before the offseason program could get going in earnest.
The whiplash-inducing array of moves continued today when news emerged that he’ll be signing with the Buffalo Bills. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Dantzler is now patrolling the defensive backfield in Buffalo. As a result, he’ll have a chance to compete for a Super Bowl with one of the preeminent teams in the NFL.
Dantzler, 24, will be playing on a 1-year deal.
Former Vikings CB Joins the Bills
The news about Dantzler comes almost immediately after learning that the Bills have also added Leonard Floyd, a pass rusher who was rumored to be in the running for employment in The Gopher State. Adding Dantzler and Floyd is even further indication that Buffalo’s intent is to contend in 2023.
Within the AFC East, there will be a lot of competition. The Patriots aren’t as formidable as before, but they’re still coached by Bill Belichick. Meanwhile, the Dolphins have loaded up on talent – acquiring Jalen Ramsey stands out – and the Jets added Aaron Rodgers to their offense.
The Bills, in short, will need to be at their best to re-capture the division.
The top corner in Buffalo is Tre’Davious White. However, he’s far from alone when it comes to strong defensive talent. Jordan Poyer is at safety, Von Miller is along the EDGE, and Ed Oliver functions along the interior of the defensive line. At linebacker, the Bills boast Matt Milano, a sensational player. Add it all together and Buffalo has a potent mix of talent that will complement the Josh Allen-led offense.
Since coming into the NFL, Cameron Dantlzer has 3 interceptions and 17 passes defended. A strong tackler, Dantzler has forced 3 fumbles in his career and has 6 TFLs to go alongside his 149 overall tackles. Unfortunately, he has never played more than 14 games in a season.
Meanwhile, the Vikings are moving forward with a corner room that looks much different from recent seasons. Byron Murphy will be the lead corner. After him, there are a lot of question marks. Youthful options are abundant, led by Andrew Booth Jr., Akayleb Evans, and Mekhi Blackmon. At least one of the young fellas will need to climb the depth chart in order for Minnesota’s defense to avoid getting steamrolled by teams with excellent receivers.
Buffalo and Minnesota don’t play each other in 2023. Last season, the Vikings pulled off one of the greatest regular-season comebacks in recent memory, overcoming the Bills by a score of 33-30.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this piece.
