Another Day. Another DB

The Minnesota Vikings keeping bringing in defensive backs.

Last Wednesday, Duke Shelley was brought back after a year sabbatical with the Los Angeles Rams

Last Thursday, Jacobi Francis was signed.

On Monday, Bobby McCain was signed.

Yesterday, Fabian Moreau was signed. 

Another day. Another defensive back. 

Duke Shelley, Jacobi Francis, and Fabian Moreau will boost the depth of the cornerback room. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores said that Bobby McCain was brought in to play safety. While McCain has played some nickel, he’s played safety for most of his ten years in the league. He was with the Miami Dolphins for two of the three years that Flores was head coach. That familiarity surely played a role in this reunion. It’s interesting that the day McCain joined the team was the day that safety Jay Ward took some reps at cornerback. Ward played corner, nickel, safety, wherever in college at LSU. He was basically the college version of Josh Metellus. Position versatility is becoming a requirement to play in a Flores defense. 

Shelley and Moreau could provide experienced and reliable cornerback depth but I’m not sure either is a threat to currently projected starters Byron Murphy Jr, Shaquil Griffin, and Akayleb Evans. Unless, the Vikings bring in someone like Stephon Gilmore I don’t see that changing. 

The Vikings current cornerbacks:

Byron Murphy Jr.

Shaquill Griffin

Akayleb Evans

Andrew Booth Jr.

Duke Shelley

Fabian Moreau

A.J. Green III

Jaylin Williams

Dwight McGlothern

Jacobi Francis

Of the now 10 cornerbacks on the Vikings roster, unrdrafted free agent Dwight McGlothern might be the player I’m most intrigued to see progress through training camp and preseason. I thought for sure he’d be selected in the fifth- or sixth-round of the 2024 NFL Draft. I was surprised that he wasn’t drafted and thrilled that the Vikings signed him. 

The Vikings current safeties:

Harrison Smith

Camryn Bynum

Josh Metellus

Theo Jackson

Lewis Cine

Bobby McCain

Najee Thompson

Najee Thompson is on the roster for his excellent play on special teams. 2022 first-round pick Lewis Cine is fighting for his roster life. Right now, he isn’t doing much fighting as he’s sidelined with an injury. The Vikings top four safeties could arguably start for any team in the league. Bobby McCain provides solid depth and experience in a Flores defense. 

For now, Jay Ward is a cornerback or a safety. Versatility is a very good thing. 

I wonder if today brings another defensive back addition.