The Vikings Have a Very Unique Opportunity
K. Joudry
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After QB, corner is perhaps the most important position in the NFL. It’s thus notable when a high-end player becomes available. A few days ago, we learned that the Vikings find themselves in a unique situation since James Bradberry was cut by the Giants.
Currently, the Vikings don’t have a CB1. Patrick Peterson is the steady vet, Cameron Dantzler is the up-and-down third-year player, and Andrew Booth Jr. is the upside rookie. All come with some obvious strengths and some obvious concerns. It’s plausible that one really shines in 2022, taking hold of that illustrious CB1 status. It’s no guarantee, though, and the likeliest outcome is that Minnesota is simply hoping for 3 good corners.
James Bradberry, in other words, could really be a nice fit for the Vikings.
The 6’1, 212 pound Bradberry looks like a #1 NFL corner since he has the ideal long & strong build. Last season’s PFF grade was a modest 62.8, but his 2020 score was a robust 79.8. For context, a 79.8 score in 2021 would be the 5th-best mark in the NFL. In other words, Bradberry has a history of playing the corner position at a high level.
His ball production in recent seasons has been notable. 2021 featured 4 interceptions and 17 passes defended; 2020 featured 3 interceptions and 18 passes defended (alongside 2 forced fumbles). Ed Donatell’s self-professed desire is for corners who can make a play on the ball. He also likes corners who can press at the line of scrimmage.
Under normal circumstances, James Bradberry would be too expensive for the Vikings. However, New York’s decision to release their corner so late in the offseason opens a tiny bit of hope. Most teams are like the Vikings: relatively close to the cap given that free agency and the draft are behind us. If all things remain equal, Minnesota doesn’t have the cash, and yet we know there are a handful of ways they can create room. It’s possible that Bradberry will need to settle for a one-year, prove-it deal. If that’s the case, the Vikings could pull it off.
Adding a difference-maker at this stage in the offseason is unique. For the most part, the best players in the NFL have already put ink to paper. Minnesota should therefore think long and hard about improving their team with another free agent addition.
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