Vikings Rumors: More Coach Shuffling, Adding a CB1, & The Broader FA Fits
K. Joudry
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We’ve officially transitioned into the portion of the year when Vikings rumors are going to be coming fast and furious.
As a result, I’m returning to the “Vikings Rumor Wrangle,” a series I’ve leaned on previously to keep readers informed on what’s being whispered about in Vikings Land. In this iteration, we discuss the potential coach shuffling, the need to bring in a CB1, and Minnesota’s chances of adding some high-end free agents.
The Vikings Rumors – 02.08.2023
Rumor #1 – The Defensive Coaching Staff May get Shuffled
The Minnesota Vikings hired Brian Flores. Rejoicing ensued.
Obviously, getting the new DC in place has prompted a massive sigh of relief. Seeing Minnesota miss on Ryan Nielsen, Sean Desai, and Ejiro Evero caused no little consternation, hand-wringing, and doom-and-glooming. What is Vikings fandom without at least a little unmerited panic?
Alas, it all worked out. Flores is coming to town and enthusiasm is high (for good reason).
That being said, we should shift our perspective a touch. While the DC search has ended, the hard work is just beginning. It’s very possible we see some coaches let go or put in new positions. Flores is going to be installing his scheme, a philosophy that is markedly different from Ed Donatell’s passive defense.
Obviously, it’s always disappointing to see people let go from their jobs. Don’t ever forget that we’re talking about real people when we discuss coaches and players. The point of this discussion is merely to highlight that things are going to look different under Flores’ leadership, meaning some coaching staff shuffling is quite plausible.
Rumor #2 – The Vikings Need a New CB1
Patrick Peterson and Duke Shelley are both free agents, but you already knew that. What is more uncertain is if either can be the team’s CB1 in 2023.
Currently, none of Minnesota’s starting trio – Peterson & Shelley out wide, Chandon Sullivan in the slot – are under contract for the upcoming year. Josh Frey wrote about who could plausibly get partnered with Flores in Minnesota, and one such player is Steelers corner Cameron Sutten (3 INTs and 15 PDs last season).
Dustin Baker identified the need for a CB1 as the top item on the new DC’s to-do list: “Flores’ defenses are aggressive, blitz-happy, and fueled by scrappiness — so, you know, the inverse of the 2022 Vikings defense. But a defense can’t be crazy frenetic and risk-taking with meh cornerbacks. Trustworthy corners are a stalwart of the way Flores likes to play.”
Dustin’s right. Being able to successfully send all those blitzers requires sticky coverage. It’s possible that’ll come from Peterson and Shelley; it’s possible it’ll come from someone else.
Rumor #3 – Minnesota Has a Better Shot at Landing Top-Tier Free Agents
More often than not, money wins in the NFL. If Minnesota is offering pennies, the free agent will likely go somewhere where he can get dollars.
Nevertheless, there’s something to be said for playing for someone who is well-respected. Players around the NFL respect Brian Flores. An overlooked benefit of getting him into that DC role is that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will have an easier time selling free agents on the merits of joining Minnesota’s defense.
The Vikings don’t have infinite resources (they’re in the red by about $25 million). Part of the sales pitch is going to involve playing for a team coming off a 13-4 record and in top-tier facilities. Moreover, being able to proudly proclaim that the coaching staff is excellent will be an added bonus in the free agent flirtations.
Money is important; playing for a great organization with great leadership is also important, especially for veterans. Adding Flores helps. Expect Minnesota to pursue some short-term, prove-it deals with free agents.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.