The Minnesota Vikings are currently well over the salary cap, but as we all should know by now, the salary cap is a myth. And by that, I mean there are almost infinite possibilities to create extra room. With simple restructures, the Vikings can have more than enough money to spend during the 2022 free agency period. But even if they’re conservative, they could acquire cornerback Bryce Callahan.
2022 NFL Free Agency: Why Bryce Callahan is a fit for the Minnesota Vikings
Depending on what happens with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay, this could turn into an “all-in” season for Minnesota. Callahan is a fantastic cornerback when healthy. But therein lies the kicker — he’s rarely healthy. In his career, he’s played in 9, 11, 12, 13, 10, and 11 games.
So, Minnesota obviously won’t pay a premium for an oft-hurt cornerback who just hit the 30-year-old hill. That makes him somewhat of a low-risk, high-reward signing.
But the biggest reason why Minnesota would look at Callahan over other options is his familiarity with new defensive coordinator Ed Donatell. Many coaches who go to new situations like to bring veterans from their last stop to help implement scheme, philosophy, and culture.
It makes Callahan a perfect fit.
Callahan’s scheme mastery will help improve an average pass defense
The Broncos’ passing defense struggled in 2021 despite the talent they possessed in the secondary. That’s proof that it takes all 11 players to find success with a unit unless the defensive front can suffocate a QB in two seconds like in San Francisco. A lack of proper pass-rushing talent in Denver and injuries to seemingly all of their linebackers caused issues.
Things should look much better in Minnesota as long as Danielle Hunter remains healthy. Callahan can slide into the slot. When he does have to cover vertically, there’s a better chance that Harrison Smith and *insert second safety here* can help over top in the Fangio-style coverage scheme.
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What Fangio has done so well is mesh aggressive run defense with a two-high shell. He begs offenses to pound the rock, and they oblige when they perceive light boxes.
Callahan has always been a fun run defender out of the slot. He thrived making stops on defense prior to 2021. For his size, he’s remained a good tackler throughout his career.
How will the Minnesota Vikings’ defense evolve with Ed Donatell?
The Fangio/Brandon Staley defense is in a weird spot in Minnesota. That defense has never coveted linebacker play, but the Vikings have one of the best in the game. Eric Kendricks is a top-three coverage linebacker in the league, and he’s not third.
This defense will still rotate safeties down as robbers and as parts of the run fit on early downs. I wonder if they will run more Tampa 2 with Kendricks able to run the pole with the best of them. His presence allows for creativity defensively, and Callahan’s zone-coverage prowess from the slot will help suffocate passing attacks trying to attack the middle of the field.
Callahan won’t give the Minnesota Vikings 17 games, but he’ll bring another voice to implement a new defense, and he’ll offer high-caliber play when he’s on the field. He also shouldn’t be expensive, given his age and durability concerns.
