The Minnesota Vikings’ defense was much improved in 2023, but there are still some holes that need to be addressed. The Vikings are also facing the prospect of losing several key free agents when the NFL’s free agency period opens up in mid-March. One of the positions the team could be looking to upgrade, either through free agency or the NFL Draft, is cornerback, and ESPN’s Matt Bowen has a perfect fit for the Vikings at that spot: Sean Murphy-Bunting.
Bowen has tabbed the Vikings as the perfect landing spot for the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tennessee Titans cornerback, saying:
I originally had Murphy-Bunting to Arizona here, but I believe the Vikings will be seeking some corners for Brian Flores’ aggressive system, and he’d work well in Minnesota. With his long frame and fluid hips, Murphy-Bunting can challenge on the outside or match in blitz coverage. He has eight interceptions and 22 pass breakups over five pro seasons, with two picks in 2023 in Tennessee.
Bunting would seem to be a great fit for the scheme that defensive coordinator Brian Flores wants to run with the Vikings. He would also be a clear upgrade at the position. But with this year’s draft being strong at the cornerback position, is general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah going to want to spend the resources to sign a high-profile free agent when he could grab a rookie on a much cheaper deal?
Minnesota has the 11th pick in the 2024 NFL draft, and they could be in a prime position to draft someone like Iowa’s Cooper DeJean, Alabama’s Terrion Arnold, or Clemson’s Nate Wiggins, all of whom would provide the Vikings with the upgrade they’re looking for while committing less money to the position.
With limited resources to spend in free agency and guys like Danielle Hunter and Kirk Cousins also set to hit the market, that’s a concern Adofo-Mensah is going to need to balance.
