If you’re a Vikings fan, and you’ve been paying any attention to recent signings these last couple years, you know that the salary cap is a must-solve for the offseason.
I think one way the Vikings could shore up some money is through cutting a former All-Pro cornerback.
Xavier Rhodes, once a threat to any team’s star wideout, is not the player he used to be, despite making the Pro Bowl this year.
And if the Vikings part ways this offseason, the move would save them a little over $8 million with $4.8 million of dead money, according to Over The Cap.
Another factor has been Rhodes’ level of play as of late. Rhodes has failed the eye test in 2019-20, failing to communicate with his fellow defensive backs at times, like in this play against the Saints.
It’s hard to say whether Smith was supposed to help up top there or was just following the ball after Rhodes was beat, but help or no help, Rhodes still can’t lose his man that badly on a route.
If you want to give Rhodes the benefit of the doubt and say that he is still a similar player to who he was several years ago, you should look at the stats. Rhodes had zero interceptions in 2019-20 and just six pass deflections. As Pro Football Focus reported, Rhodes had the seventh worst season among all cornerbacks who played more than 300 snaps.
Another possible option the Vikings can pursue is restructuring his contract. If it’s possible for Rhodes to return to his old self, then Minnesota should sign him for less money than what he’s earning now. If last season was any indication, though, it might be time for him to find a new team.
It doesn’t matter which way you look at it. Financially, and in terms of his recent performance, it’s time to change the current contract situation with Rhodes.