The Minnesota Vikings’ first free-agent depart sign this offseason took many fans and analysts by surprise, but it could turn out to be a smart move.
Cornerback Isaiah Rodgers joined the team on a two-year, \$15 million contract in March after winning a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles. Although Rodgers has only 13 career starts since being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2020, his strong performance during offseason practices has begun to justify the signing.
According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, Rodgers stood out in minicamps and OTAs, showing the skills the Vikings hope to harness in their defensive scheme. Despite being a sixth-round pick in 2020, Rodgers flashed playmaking instincts by jumping a route for an interception against rookie QB J.J. McCarthy and displayed his speed on special teams.
While it remains uncertain whether Rodgers will be used as a kick returner due to his anticipated responsibilities at cornerback, defensive coordinator Brian Flores has long admired his game, dating back to Rodgers’ college days at UMass. “He’s been a great addition,” Flores said. “He’s got great football IQ and acumen.”
Rodgers may not have ideal size at 5-foot-10 and 176 pounds, but at 27, he has relatively little wear on his body. The Vikings are hopeful he can become a dependable starter and a long-term solution in their secondary, making the most of both his talent and the team’s investment.
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