Passing in the NFC North might be getting easier for the Green Bay Packers.
A pair of Pro Bowl cornerbacks could be on the way out of the division this offseason. Xavier Rhodes has been identified as a prime cut candidate for the cap-strapped Minnesota Vikings, while Darius Slay of the Detroit Lions is emerging as a serious trade candidate.
Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com pegged Rhodes as a “strong candidate for release” in his annual offseason salary cut candidates post. Rhodes is a former first-round pick and has made three Pro Bowls, including most recently as a controversial addition in 2019, but the Vikings – who desperately need to create cap space before the new league year – could save $8.1 million in 2020 by releasing him.
Rhodes had a difficult 2019 season, giving up a completion percentage of 81.5 and an opposing passer rating of 123.8 without a single interception over 15 games.
Slay, a second-round pick in 2013 who has made three Pro Bowls, is now at the center of trade talks this offseason, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, and teams believe the Lions will eventually deal him before the 2020 season. The 29-year-old is entering the final year of his contract in 2020 and wants a massive new deal, which could force the Lions’ hand.
Slay has 19 interceptions and 99 pass breakups over the last six seasons. He ranks fourth in interceptions and first in pass breakups since 2014.
Rhodes was a weak spot on a great defense, while Slay was a bright spot for a bad group.
Last season, the Vikings ranked eighth in yards allowed per attempt, 10th in passer rating allowed and seventh in pass defense DVOA. The Lions ranked 26th in yards allowed per attempt, 27th in passer rating allowed and 29th in pass defense DVOA.
Another Pro Bowl cornerback, Tramon Williams, is an unrestricted free agent for the Packers. The 36-year-old made his one and only Pro Bowl way back in 2010.
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