Denver Broncos cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (45) before the game against the Washington Redskins at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings came into the offseason with cornerback as their second-biggest need behind only quarterback, and they signed two CBs in Captain Munnerlyn and Derek Cox. Munnerlyn was an excellent signing for the Vikings and presents an immediate upgrade, as he is a dependable player who can play in the slot or on the outside. Cox was a dependable player with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and he signed a pretty nifty contract with the CB-needy San Diego Chargers last offseason. But he was so bad in his first season in San Diego that Tom Telesco decided to cut him this offseason despite their lack of depth at the position. If Cox can bounce back, though, he will be a very good starter for the Vikings and carries very little financial risk.
Despite those two signings and the presence of promising 2013 first-round pick Xavier Rhodes, it looks like the Vikings are still interested in the best free agent cornerback. 1500 ESPN’s Darren Wolfson reports that the Vikings “have inquired about” former Denver Broncos CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who was excellent last season on a prove-it deal and would be a big catch for any team that signs him. I’m not sure if the Vikings should get him, though, unless if is surprisingly affordable and the Vikings feel that they still need an upgrade at the position.
Wolfson adds that the talks don’t seem to be “serious” right now, and I doubt this ever amounts to anything. Still, it’s an interesting rumor to watch for as DRC visits the CB-needy New York Jets (made CB1 Antonio Cromartie a cap casualty) and the New York Giants, who are an intriguing landing spot for him. At this point, I would be surprised if the Jets don’t land the impact corner, but John Idzik almost certainly won’t overpay for him either.