Through the 2024 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings stocked their cabinets with good, younger gamers.
Amongst them was former Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy and Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner, each within the first spherical.
Within the fourth spherical, Minnesota chosen Oregon nook Khyree Jackson.
All three picks have been projected to get important enjoying time in 2024 and every was anticipated to plug a major gap of their respective positions.
Sadly, Jackson and two others handed away out of the blue in early July when the car they have been in was clipped by one other automobile.
The collision despatched Jackson (who was a passenger) and his pals off the highway and into tree stumps, killing all three immediately.
Then, simply days in the past, the Vikings misplaced one other cornerback when second-year participant Mekhi Blackmon tore his ACL in observe.
In accordance with “The Purple Persuasion,” the lack of each gamers has left Minnesota GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah on the lookout for an “influence” free agent.
#Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell famous that GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is engaged on discovering an “influence” free agent in the event that they need to come right here, particularly at CB 👀 pic.twitter.com/bASvYxCxZb
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) July 27, 2024
A number of names have been talked about as doable candidates.
They embody Patrick Peterson (who performed with the Vikings in 2021 and 2022 and with Pittsburgh final season), Stephon Gilmore, and Xavien Howard.
Gilmore has performed with 5 groups throughout his NFL profession, most notably with New England from 2017-2021.
Throughout that point, he was a four-time Professional Bowler and NFL Defensive Participant of the Yr in 2019 after co-leading the league with six interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns.
Since 2021, Gilmore has performed for Carolina, Indianapolis and Dallas and his greatest days are within the rearview mirror.
Howard was a second-round decide of the Dolphins in 2016 and twice led the NFL in interceptions, together with 10 in 2020.
He was launched by Miami in March.
