The Minnesota Vikings defence was one of the worst in the NFL against the pass last season, and the cornerback position is a major reason.
Minnesota used a significant amount of draft cash to move up twice in the first round, acquiring quarterback J.J. McCarthy and edge rusher Dallas Turner. Those two appear to be the long-term replacements at two premier spots with the losses of Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter, but the cost of their acquisition will make upgrading the secondary through the draft more challenging next summer.
On Monday, June 3, Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report suggested that the Vikings sell former fourth-round pick and 2023 starting cornerback Akayleb Evans in exchange for some assets.
In today’s pass-heavy NFL, even somewhat decent cornerback are highly valued. Akayleb Evans, a third-year pro with the Minnesota Vikings, may be best described as slightly competent.
Evans wasn’t exactly Darrelle Revis in 15 starts last season; he allowed more over 70% of passes thrown his way to be completed, missed 16 tackles, and had a strong passer rating against of 120.4.
Evans’ physical characteristics are one reason to keep the soon-to-be 25-year-old around. Evans’ rookie contract expires in two years. However, with Shaquill Griffin in Minnesota, Evans will most likely open camp as the team’s fourth or fifth cornerback. And, with the Vikings holding only three picks in 2025 (one before Round 5), the same qualities that make Evans valuable could help recoup some much-needed draft money.
Minnesota continues to look for viable cornerbacks in Brian Flores’ system.
Evans is 6-feet-2 and weights 200 pounds, which drew the attention of Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores when he took over the unit beginning of last season.
However, Minnesota not only added Griffin, but also drafted Khyree Jackson in the fourth round. Jackson has the size to match up with larger and stronger receivers, and he could contribute something to the position group that reduces the need for Evans.
Byron Murphy Jr. has one more year on his contract, and while the Vikings did not get the play they expected after paying him $17.5 million last offseason, he is expected to remain a fixture on the defence in 2024, thanks in part to his contract size and recent performance, which reduces his trade value.
Meanwhile, 2023 third-round selection Mekhi Blackmon showed promise last season and does not appear to be a player the Vikings want to trade away. Former second-round pick Andrew Booth Jr. (2022) has been a disappointment and could be cut this summer, making a trade with a major return doubtful.
Akayleb Evans is the Vikings’ Most Tradable Cornerback.
Evans’ recent history as a starter, as well as his relatively cheap contract, likely give him Day-3 trade value, despite Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranking him last year as the worst of the four Vikings cornerbacks who saw enough snaps to qualify (99th out of 127 players).
It’s likely that the other cornerbacks Minnesota wants to trade don’t offer enough in return, and those who do are secondary players the Vikings would rather keep, leaving Evans as the only feasible option.
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