Buffalo Payments cornerback Rasul Douglas stands on the sector throughout an AFC Divisional Spherical matchup towards the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs at Highmark Stadium. On Jan. 21, 2024, Douglas helped anchor Buffalo’s secondary throughout one other postseason showdown because the Payments tried to sluggish Patrick Mahomes and Kansas Metropolis’s high-powered offense in Orchard Park. Necessary Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports activities.
It’s the second weekend in Could, and Minnesota Vikings rookie minicamp is off and operating. In unison, we now have the most recent rumors for the purple group, the primary of two batches.
Minnesota’s cornerback depth and quarterback hierarchy are each value watching as Could soccer enterprise begins.
This week focuses on cornerbacks and the NFL’s tackle the highest roster battle round enterprise.
Minnesota’s Could Rumor Mill Begins with Two Acquainted Stress Factors
The Purple Rumor Mill for Could ninth, 2026.
Baltimore Ravens huge receiver Rashod Bateman (7) hauls in a reception whereas Buffalo Payments cornerback Rasul Douglas (31) closes from behind throughout second-quarter motion on Jan. 19, 2025, within the AFC Divisional Spherical at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. Douglas later emerged as a speculative free-agent match for Minnesota this offseason. Necessary Credit score: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Photographs.
Rumor: Rasul Douglas, a free-agent cornerback, needs to be on the Vikings’ radar.
Professional Soccer Community’s Jacob Infante detailed the NFL’s finest 25 free brokers this week, with Douglas making the minimize at No. 10.
He famous Douglas’ free company and linked him to Minnesota, “The Dolphins needed a stopgap starting option at cornerback last year, and Rasul Douglas filled that role admirably. He had two interceptions and ranked No. 15 in the league in PFSN’s CB Impact Scoring at 84.3.”
“He’ll be 31 in August, so he’s hardly a long-term solution for any team, but he should get the chance to battle for a starting role. 2026 Predicted Team: Minnesota Vikings.”
Within the spring and summer time of 2025, followers truly had Douglas on their free-agent wishlists, however Minnesota settled for Jeff Okudah as their third cornerback. The transfer proved unsuccessful: Okudah struggled early and sustained a season-ending harm after simply six largely ineffective video games.
Whereas buying Douglas nonetheless appears interesting on paper, the Vikings’ present cornerback scenario is considerably improved from final 12 months, because the entrance workplace bolstered depth by signing veteran James Pierre in March and drafting Charles Demmings in April.
Subsequently, until coaching camp reveals surprising points or the group goals for an unusually deep cornerback rotation, Douglas doesn’t seem like a necessity. Final season, Brian Flores demonstrated his capacity to make the protection efficient by fielding three or 4 succesful corners, supported by his versatile and modern scheme.
Rumor: Unsigned Vikings cornerback Fabian Moreau would match properly in Miami.
Then, the identical man at PFSN related Moreau to the Dolphins: “Fabian Moreau has bounced around to five different teams in his last six seasons, though he’s coming off two consecutive seasons as a backup cornerback for the Vikings.”
“He fared pretty well in 2025, ranking No. 33 in the NFL with a 79.5 PFSN CB Impact Score, indicating he could push for a starting spot in some situations. 2026 Predicted Team: Miami Dolphins.”
Chicago Bears tight finish Colston Loveland (84) turns upfield after a catch whereas Minnesota Vikings cornerback Fabian Moreau (23) tracks the play throughout first-quarter motion on Nov. 16, 2025, at U.S. Financial institution Stadium in Minneapolis. Moreau quietly delivered reliable snaps for Minnesota’s secondary all through the 2025 marketing campaign. Necessary Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photographs.
Moreau hasn’t discovered a lot traction in free company this offseason. Maybe the Dolphins will snap the drought.
These are the Dolphins’ cornerbacks heading into the summer time:
Chris Johnson
JuJu Brents
Jason Marshall Jr.
Darrell Baker Jr.
Storm Duck
Ethan Robinson
Marco Wilson
Alex Austin
Ethan Bonner
A.J. Inexperienced III
That’s an terrible group in comparison with different NFL squads. If Moreau needs taking part in time, Infante is appropriate: Miami’s secondary is screaming for depth.
Rumor: Kyler Murray v. J.J. McCarthy is the highest roster battle within the NFL this summer time.
Eva Geitheim sized up the highest questions within the league after the draft, and the Vikings’ quarterback scenario was talked about.
She defined, “Who will start for the Vikings come Week 1? There will be several quarterback competitions across the league this offseason, but none will be bigger than that between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy. The Vikings could be a playoff contender with competent quarterback play, a key reason they brought Murray to Minnesota.”
“The competition could certainly go in Murray’s favor, as both coach Kevin O’Connell and receiver Justin Jefferson have spoken highly of the veteran quarterback while emphasizing the work McCarthy still has ahead of him.”
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) works by means of pregame drills on Sep. 8, 2025, at Soldier Discipline in Chicago earlier than a divisional matchup towards the Bears. McCarthy moved by means of throwing and footwork workouts as teammates warmed up close by forward of the nationally watched NFC North showdown. Necessary Credit score: Matt Marton-Imagn Photographs.
On paper, McCarthy presents a compelling case in a quarterback battle. Because the Vikings’ beginning quarterback in 2025 — his second full season after a torn meniscus derailed his rookie 12 months — he actually warrants a possibility to compete.
However McCarthy has shortly developed a troubling harm historical past. Affected by a torn meniscus, a excessive ankle sprain, a concussion, and a damaged hand, he has began solely 10 video games in two years. Regardless of being a 1st-Spherical decide, he has been out there for roughly 27% of Minnesota’s video games, a regarding statistic for a quarterback as soon as envisioned to stabilize the franchise.
Too, McCarthy’s on-field efficiency has been underwhelming. Final season, he ranked close to the underside of the league in QB effectivity and threw extra interceptions than touchdowns. Whereas he stays an choice for the QB1 function, Murray is the clear frontrunner.
Including to the problem for McCarthy, Murray arrives with stick-it-to-them motivation. Arizona successfully deserted him this offseason, a transfer in keeping with a franchise recognized for one of many league’s shakiest possession teams. The Cardinals minimize him in favor of Jacoby Brissett and Carson Beck, undoubtedly leaving Murray with a chip on his shoulder.
Murray’s heightened motivation additional complicates McCarthy’s probabilities of an upset. McCarthy must carry his A-Sport after which some to topple Murray.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
