The Minnesota Vikings are looking for a bounce back season in 2014. After failing to meet expectations last season, the house was cleaned and a new start was granted. Minnesota looks retooled on the defensive side of the ball, but one glaring issue is still the strong safety position. The Vikings may be trying to rectify that.
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At this point, Harrison Smith is one of the best free safeties in the NFL. The former first round pick out of Notre Dame has locked down the position for the Vikings. Starting next to him however, is Robert Blanton, a rather underwhelming option.
Adam Caplan is reporting that the Vikings are bringing in Ahmad Dixon, the Cowboys 7th round pick in 2014. Caplan expects the Vikings to ink the rookie to their practice squad.
Former #Cowboys S Ahmad Dixon (7th round/2014) is expected to sign with the #Vikings practice squad.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) September 3, 2014
Considering the Vikings cut Kendall James, their own 6th round cornerback out of Maine, they must have seen something in Dixon worth going after. The safety market didn’t look great after cuts and Danieal Manning was quickly scooped up by the Texans.
At any rate, Dixon has an opportunity to play his way onto the active roster should he perform well. The Vikings Adam Thielen was in a similar position last year.
Dixon was a first-team All-American in 2013 for the Baylor Bears. He compiled four interceptions and 186 solo tackles over four years while at Baylor.
Look for an official announcement to come from the Vikings at which point they ink the rookie to a contract at a later time. Minnesota starts their season on the road against the St. Louis Rams on Sunday at 1pm eastern time.