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5 targets for Vikings in 2022 NFL free agency

By Russell S. Baxter

EAGAN, MN - FEBRUARY 17: General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah (L) and Head coach Kevin O'Connell of the Minnesota Vikings address the media at TCO Performance Center on February 17, 2022 in Eagan, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
EAGAN, MN - FEBRUARY 17: General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah (L) and Head coach Kevin O'Connell of the Minnesota Vikings address the media at TCO Performance Center on February 17, 2022 in Eagan, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /
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ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 19: Stephon Gilmore #9 of the Carolina Panthers catches a pass before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on December 19, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 19: Stephon Gilmore #9 of the Carolina Panthers catches a pass before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on December 19, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /

1. CB Stephon Gilmore (Carolina Panthers)

It seems that the Minnesota Vikings are always selecting cornerbacks in the first round. From 2013-20, a span of eight drafts, the club chose 11 players and four were corners. There was Xavier Rhodes (2013), Trae Waynes (2015), Mike Hughes (2018) and Jeff Gladney (2020).

But it’s also worth noting that at this time, none of those players are with the club. In 2020, Rhodes was released (signing with the Colts) and Waynes left in free agency for Cincinnati. Within the past year, Hughes was traded to Kansas City and Gladney was released by the organization following an off-the-field issue.

In 2020, the Vikings ranked 25th in the league in pass defense and gave up 30 scores through the air. This past season, the club allowed the fifth-most passing yards in the NFL and permitted 29 TD tosses in 17 outings. The club went through its share of starting corners in 2021. Meanwhile, veteran Patrick Peterson, who joined the team last offseason, along with Mackensie Alexander, are both slated for free agency.

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In 2019, one-time Bills’ star and then-Patriots’ standout Stephon Gilmore was the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year. This past season, he was dealt to the Carolina Panthers. In 10 NFL seasons, he has 27 interceptions and an amazing 116 passes defensed. But is his best football behind him?

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