The Minnesota Vikings face more than just the task of determining their starting quarterback for the upcoming season. They also confront various deficiencies in their defense that necessitate improvements across multiple positions.
Notably, they face the impending free agency of their top three edge rushers, alongside potentially difficult decisions regarding their secondary lineup. According to ESPN’s Matt Bowen, a former NFL safety, it could be advantageous for the Vikings to pursue Sean Murphy-Bunting, a cornerback from the Tennessee Titans who is set to become a free agent. Bowen suggests that Murphy-Bunting’s skills align well with the aggressive defensive system led by Brian Flores, making him a suitable addition to the Vikings’ roster. Murphy-Bunting, aged 26, showcased his abilities in the previous season with two interceptions, two forced fumbles, one recovery, and a total of 57 tackles.
Go Beneath the @Surface with @titansradio's Coach Mac as he breaks down Sean Murphy-Bunting's interception with #Titans GM Ran Carthon pic.twitter.com/cXFUBPxIDI
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) October 21, 2023
After completing a one-year contract worth $3.5 million, Murphy-Bunting, a key member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Super Bowl-winning team in 2020, transitioned to the Tennessee Titans. However, his performance last season saw opposing quarterbacks complete 63.8% of passes targeted towards him, as reported by Pro Football Reference. Nonetheless, in the two seasons prior, he limited opposing quarterbacks to a 55.8% completion rate. Restoring his previous level of performance under Brian Flores’ coaching could prove highly beneficial. Spotrac forecasts that the 6-foot cornerback could command an annual deal valued at $6.7 million.
Vikings Draft Picks, Key Free Agent Signing Failed to Make Impact in 2023
Under General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s leadership, the Minnesota Vikings have invested three draft picks in cornerbacks over the past two seasons. However, only one of these selections was made within the top 100 picks of their respective draft classes. Additionally, they signed former Cardinals’ second-round pick Byron Murphy to a two-year, $17.5 million contract last offseason, despite his 67.3% completion rate allowed in 2023.
Despite these efforts, the Vikings’ coverage performance ranked 16th-best this past season according to Pro Football Focus. Adofo-Mensah is hopeful that players like Akayleb Evans, Mekhi Blackmon, and Andrew Booth will step up this season.
Stathead data reveals that the Vikings have picked at least one cornerback in every draft since 2009, although not all were premium picks, and some never progressed beyond special teams roles, if they saw the field at all. The last time they selected a cornerback in the first round was Jeff Gladney at No. 31 overall in 2020.
Nevertheless, there’s merit in revisiting this strategy. This year’s draft class offers promising options such as Alabama’s Terrion Arnold, Clemson’s Nate Wiggins, and Iowa’s Cooper DeJean.
Vikings Have Sordid Recent History at Cornerback
While previous first-round cornerback selections like Xavier Rhodes (No. 25 overall in 2013) and Trae Waynes (No. 11 overall in 2015) proved successful for the Vikings, recent picks such as Jeff Gladney and Mike Hughes (No. 30 overall in 2018) failed to live up to expectations.
With nine picks in this year’s draft, the Vikings have ample opportunity to address their cornerback situation. They could opt to use one of these picks on a cornerback, especially considering they still have the option to sign a free agent. The key question lies in how high they prioritize the position in the draft.
Given their recent struggles in the cornerback department and the potential for improvement in the upcoming draft class, the Vikings may decide to invest a significant draft pick in securing a promising cornerback prospect.
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