Vikings are Better Off Without Bashaud Breeland

Sep 19, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) delivers a stiff arm to Minnesota Vikings defensive back Bashaud Breeland (21) en route to a touchdown during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

This one-year experiment seemed to go south faster than anyone could have predicted; the Vikings are better off without CB Bashaud Breeland on the roster. Breeland was signed at the beginning of the 2021 season and seemed to be the missing piece needed to complete the secondary. Breeland was in his 8th season in the NFL and looking for a new home after a stint in Kansas City. While Breeland brought a wealth of experience – including a Super Bowl ring – none of it has been smooth sailing.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissaro and NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, Breeland was released by the Vikings, Saturday, December 18, 2021, after an altercation with a coach and some teammates. The incident may have started in the film room and spilled over to the practice field. Coach Zimmer asked Breeland to leave and he was cut by the team that day in what was an apparent last straw.

How it Started

Breeland, who played at Clemson University, was drafted by the Washington Football Team (then the Washington Redksins) in 2014 in the 4th round. He played 4 statistically respectable seasons with WFT, starting 57 out of 60 games with 8 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles before they chose not to re-sign him. He spent 2018 with the Green Bay Packers and then 2019-20 with the Kansas City Chiefs (which included being a part of their Super Bowl win) before being signed in Minnesota. 

How It Was Going

Almost immediately, Breeland emerged as a bit too arrogant and quick to temper. He has a habit of taking to social media to air his grievances.

In 2016, Breeland voiced his frustration initially at the signing of Josh Norman. He was not happy with anything that challenged his role as CB1 and he let those concerns be known. He later dialed back his concerns and amended his statement on Norman but it left a sour taste for some. In 2017, he got into a verbal altercation with Coach Jay Gruden during a walkthrough. Gruden tossed Breeland out of practice. When queried by the media, Gruden implied that Breeland was too sensitive. Gruden did say that the incident had passed and he just wanted everyone to cool off.

Earlier this season, Breeland ruffled some feathers in Minnesota. He posted an offensive tweet after the Vikings win over the Lions; it seems directed at fans who are critical of his on-field performance. The tweet said,  “I’m convince yal love my Johnson in yal mouth enjoy the win and shut tf up.” Fans were outraged and Breeland removed the tweet; for some, the damage was done. Many felt that his lackluster performance this season (only 2 interceptions) did not match up with the way he runs his mouth. Fans suggested he should be benched or cut in favor of Cameron Dantzler. 

Suspensions and Criminal Charges

Regardless of how fans (or players) may feel about the laws surrounding the use of cannabis, the fact is that the league had rules against it until 2020 and the public laws vary from state to state. Breeland had a habit of flaunting those rules. In his second season, he was suspended for 1 game for violating the league’s substance abuse policy and that was just the beginning.

In 2020, while still playing for KC, Breeland was arrested in South Carolina. He was initially charged with multiple crimes, including possession, resisting arrest, open alcohol container in a motor vehicle, and driving without a license. Breeland pled guilty in court to two lesser charges, paid a small fine, and avoided jail time. As this occurrence was being reported it came to light that Breeland was already facing a 4 game suspension for again testing positive for a banned substance. 

How It Ended – Red Flags, Bargains, and A Near Miss

The Minnesota Vikings are still in the playoff hunt and the Breeland dismissal has left many scratching their heads and others applauding the move. Breeland’s somewhat checkered past and the fact that he fit so well with what the Vikings needed, made the one-year contract seem like a bargain. And it would have been if he performed anywhere near his potential. Breeland beat out Cameron Dantzler in training camp but had a rocky start. He took a lot of heat for his poor play during the season including having one of the lowest PFF ratings of any CB. 

His Super Bowl pedigree helped to mask the massive trail of red flags he left in his wake. Fans want players to come with swagger – this is especially true of CBs who match up against flashy WRs – but this was over the top. Breeland never seemed to develop the maturity that other players do as they settle into the league. The Vikings are fortunate to have depth at the CB position, including veteran Patrick Peterson as well as Mackensie Alexander. Cameron Dantzler is now more involved in taking over Breeland’s role. It’s a next-man-up league, and the Vikings are better off.

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