Vikings Coach Lobbies to Use a Defender as a Dual Threat
Cornerback Isaiah Rodgers was the first player to sign with the Vikings in this year’s free agency class. Because the franchise also added some high-profile players like Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave, and Will Fries, he might fly under the radar among fans, but the coaching staff loves the man.
Vikings coach wants to use Isaiah Rodgers on kickoffs
The speedster hasn’t only caught the attention of defensive coordinator Brian Flores, but special teams coordinator Matt Daniels is also interested in deploying the cornerback as a kick returner.
He addressed the media on Wednesday and said, “He’s been an elite guy back there with the ball in his hands, and obviously he’s starting at corner right now for us. So that’ll be a conversation I have to have with the upper management just in terms of good we feel about our CB2 kinda being back there returning kicks but when you look at the impact that this phase is going to have with the ball being put in play and field position mattering so much, we got to be able to kind of weight what the risk reward is going to be just in terms of trying to keep this guy healthy.”
Of course, players aren’t confirmed as starters in June, but this is another strong clue indicating that Rodgers is the CB2 at this point, and he should be expected to start next to Byron Murphy Jr.
Because of his importance to the defense, it might not be the best idea to expose him to a handful of kickoff returns each game and risk injury.
Daniels added that the off-returner is the player who’s getting injured the most, so the goal would be to make him the returner regardless of where the opposing team is kicking the ball to. Teams usually have two returners deep, and the one with the ball is safer, according to the coach.
More from Daniels about Rodgers’ skills on the kickoff unit: “Love to have him back there, though. He does (look good back there). There’s not too many guys that can bend and weave through traffic but still maintain good speed as well. He’s got such good hips and start-stop ability that you appreciate and, obviously, he’s got the gas to be able to take away, certain angles and be able to get the ball back to the field.”
The incumbent kickoff returner is still on the team in running back Ty Chandler. His 2024 campaign was unimpressive both on offense and special teams, and the club might be looking for a more dynamic returner, which could cost Chandler his roster spot if he can’t show more on offense.
Actually, this year’s returner might be in the spotlight a lot. The NFL adjusted the rules from last year’s changes, moving the touchback from the 30 to the 35-yard line in an attempt to increase the number of shorter kicks, which should directly lead to more returns instead of repeating the 2023 snoozefest and fair catch festival.
In his NFL career, Rodgers has accumulated 69 kick returns for 1,870 yards and one touchdown (a 101-yarder). Most of those attempts came under the old system with the Colts, but he also returned eight kicks as a member of the Eagles last year.
Rodgers recorded a 4.28 40-yard dash coming out of college, and he was a standout returner at UMass with 99 returns on his resume.
Clearly, Rodgers is Daniels’ favorite at the kick return position, but it remains to be seen whether his fellow coaches let the defender participate in that phase.
Brian Flores also praised him this week and is high on him. Daniels would have a better case if either Mekhi Blackmon or Jeff Okudah unseated the veteran corner for the CB2 job.
Rodgers, 27, signed a two-year deal with the Vikings this offseason.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.