Cornerback Help?

The NFL’s Trade Deadline came and went on Tuesday. If they had any opportunities to supplement the roster through trade, the Minnesota Vikings opted not to do so. It really wasn’t a surprise. More than adding players to the roster, they needed players on the roster to get healthy. It’s been that way since Week 1. The Vikings were as healthy for Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions as they’ve been all season. It showed on the field. 

If the Vikings did any poking around for trade possibilities, the position they might’ve been looking at was cornerback. Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers have been reliable as the starters. When available, Jeff Okudah is #3 when the Vikings have three corners on the field. Unfortunately, he’s dealing with his second concussion of the season. His availability moving forward is an unknown. Dwight McGlothern is the only other cornerback on the active roster. Four corners is very light. The Vikings do have three cornerbacks on the practice squad:

Fabian Moreau

Zemaiah Vaughn

Tyrek Funderburk

Against the Lions, Fabian Moreau was activated with Jeff Okudah out with the concussion. Perhaps due to his experience, Moreau was on the field over Dwight McGlothern. With three corners, it was Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, and Moreau on the field. Even with Okudah available, the Vikings could probably use, or at least consider adding, another cornerback. An intriguing one might be available. 

Asante Samuel Jr. was one of the top free agent cornerbacks last offseason. The former second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers had been a solid starter for the team for four years. He might not have been the difference-making star that he was drafted to be but he’s talented and clearly has admirers around the league. He was a wanted player in free agency. There was one significant problem to him finding a new home. He needed spinal fusion surgery. His offseason free agency was over before it started. He had the surgery in the spring and was cleared to play this week. Teams are lining up to visit with him. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Samuel started a week-long tour of NFL teams yesterday:

11/5 - Carolina Panthers

11/6 - Green Bay Packers

11/7 - Minnesota Vikings

11/10 - San Francisco 49ers

11/11 - Chicago Bears

11/12 - Pittsburgh Steelers

It’s likely the bulk of each visit will be a thorough medical evaluation. Asante Samuel Jr. has been an intriguing football player since his Florida State days. That’s why he was a second round pick. While he might not have played to his potential with the Chargers, he remains an intriguing football player. If he’s 100% healthy and ready to play, I believe that he’d be an excellent addition for the Vikings. His availability is the question. It’s a spinal fusion surgery. A surgery on the spine! That sounds scary but maybe it only sounds scary. Maybe it’s such a routine deal that the player is ready to go as soon as he’s recovered from the procedure. 

Personally, I’d like to see more of Dwight McGlothern. The fact that Fabian Moreau was activated from the practice squad and received opportunities ahead of him probably reveals where McGlothern is in his development. If the Vikings decision-makers see Asante Samuel Jr. as a strong addition, I’m fine with it. No matter how little the Vikings use three corners, or how much they use three safeties, they need a solid third corner. Jeff Okudah’s second concussion makes his availability for the rest of the season an unknown. If Samuel is good to go soon, he’ll have a role with the Vikings. If he plays to his potential, he could have a role for a while.