Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports activities
The Minnesota Vikings have been huge gamers on this yr’s free company, with many huge signings which have made them one of many huge spenders throughout the league. When a crew is setting up its roster, not each addition might be a big-name, big-money participant. That brings us to one of many new faces in Minnesota, because the Vikings signed particular groups ace Tavierre Thomas.
Vikings Signal Particular Groups Ace
Thomas is a cornerback by commerce and began 19 video games over three seasons with the Cleveland Browns, then had a spell with the Houston Texans earlier than heading all the way down to Florida to signal for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Pictures.
In Tampa, he was used nearly solely on particular groups, the place he notched up 14 tackles in 17 video games and posted a 90.5 grade by way of Professional Soccer Focus for his efficiency on all 4 phases of particular groups — making him one of many stand-out performers of the 2024 season in that part of the sport.
Thomas is a vital addition to the Vikings roster as Minnesota misplaced one in all their core particular teamers in free company — Trent Sherfield. The Denver Broncos dedicated to a 2-year, $8 million contract to safe Sherfield’s providers – one thing the Vikings would by no means have been prone to match. As an alternative, they sought out Thomas and signed him to a one-year contract – the contract phrases haven’t but been launched.
Talking at his contract signing, Thomas promised followers he would all the time be at full pace and do no matter he needed to do to get the job performed. These of a purple persuasion can count on to see that sort of participant on Sundays. The veteran additionally hinted on the fame of the Vikings coaches and all that’s out there to Vikings gamers on the crew’s high-class facility, which is an enormous cause why he selected to return to Minnesota.
Particular Groups Enchancment
When Kevin O’Connell was appointed head coach in Minnesota again in 2022, he introduced Matt Daniels in as his particular groups coordinator. As a younger, inexperienced coach, it was an attention-grabbing choice, however one O’Connell and the Vikings have caught by via some inconsistent efficiency. It’s an space the Vikings want to enhance in 2025, and Thomas ought to definitely assist with that.
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As will the signing of Eric Wilson, who returns to Minnesota after 4 seasons away, which included stints on the Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans, and Inexperienced Bay Packers. Wilson spent the primary 4 seasons of his profession as a Viking after being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2017. The linebacker performed 64 video games, together with 25 begins, earlier than leaving. Wilson returns at age 30 an improved participant than the one which left and can add much-needed depth at linebacker in addition to particular groups nous.
They gained’t make the headlines, however stable additions to a roster depth and good particular groups gamers can separate the groups on the prime.
