Report: Vikings’ FA Corner is Visiting a Rival NFC Team
K. Joudry
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The New York Giants are an unpopular team in Minnesota. After all, they were responsible for ending the Vikings’ season prematurely. That hasn’t stopped free agent corner Kris Boyd from heading to the NY to see about a potential deal. The Vikings’ FA corner will potentially be joining Brian Daboll’s group.
KSTP’s Darren Wolfson provides the word, noting that Minnesota’s “cornerback/special teams ace” is going to a meeting with the Giants.
Originally a 7th-round selection in 2019, Kris Boyd has distinguished himself primarily through being a special teams terror. He’s ultra aggressive and moves well, allowing him to fly down the field as a gunner on punt team and a tackler on kickoff.
Presumably, the Giants are interested for precisely these abilities. Bringing in special teams help is an underrated part of winning football.
Of course, Boyd has also been able to get onto the field for the defense. He has started 6 games for the Vikings in his career, a notable accomplishment for a late-round draft pick. After all, so many 7th-round selections don’t even make the roster in their rookie season.
Being able to not only survive for the duration of his rookie deal but thrive as a special teamer speaks to Boyd’s abilities and work ethic.
At 26, Boyd still has a lot of football left in him. He’s likely staring down a 1- or 2-year deal with whoever brings him aboard. A CB5/6 who makes plays on special teams very rarely commands a huge deal that spans multiple seasons.
The Vikings’ CB depth is a work in progress. FA addition Byron Murphy will be the team’s top option unless Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has a trick up his sleeve. Otherwise, there is Akayleb Evans, Andrew Booth, Tay Gowan, and Kalon Barnes. Chandon Sullivan – the team’s slot corner for the duration of the 2022 season – remains on the open market.
On defense, Boyd plays almost exclusively on the outside, where he has 575 career snaps. He has only been in the slot for 15 snaps. His career earnings are just over $3 million, so a raise over his rookie deal would likely be welcome by the depth corner.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference, PFF, and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
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