Vikings Cut a Player and Sign a Brian Flores-Friendly Defensive Back

The Minnesota Vikings are less than a week into training camp, and they’re already making roster changes. In a way, we knew this was coming, due to the recent string of losses suffered at the cornerback position. In addition to Khyree Jackson’s passing, and Mekhi Blackmon’s season-ending injury, now Shaq Griffin is dealing with a soft tissue injury in his left leg.

While there were several cornerbacks available, including a few Pro Bowl options, the Vikings have instead decided to sign a hybrid who has ties to Brian Flores. Let’s break down the latest Vikings transaction.

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Vikings sign Bobby McCain, release John Parker Romo

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Minnesota Vikings have signed Bobby McCain. Like a few other defenders in Minnesota’s secondary, he’s a mix between a cornerback and safety. According to Kevin Seifert, McCain is expected to begin his time with the Vikings as a safety. For now.

McCain, 30, spent last season with the New York Giants. But most of his playing time came on special teams, where he saw 119 snaps, compared to just 19 on defense. However, McCain has been in the NFL since 2015, bouncing around from the Miami Dolphins to the Washington Commanders, Giants, and now the Vikings.

During his time in Miami, McCain crossed paths with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who may have been involved in his signing. When Flores was with the Dolphins, he also had McCain playing safety. He ended up starting 23 games in the two years when Flores coached him, where he recorded 58 tackles and three interceptions.

The #Vikings are signing former #Dolphins, #Commanders, and #Giants FA CB Bobby McCain, reuniting him with DC Brian Flores.

💥2023: 19 snaps (49.0 @PFF grade)
💥2022: 970 snaps (61.4 @PFF grade)
💥2021: 1,031 snaps (70.9 @PFF grade)

McCain overlapped with Flores in 2019-2020. pic.twitter.com/GmFEq30tAE

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) July 29, 2024

Since they needed an open roster spot to address their lack of depth in the secondary to sign McCain, the Vikings released kicker John Parker Romo, who was signed out of the XFL. This likely means rookie sixth-round pick Will Reichard has won the Vikings’ kicking job. The Alabama kicker went 5/5 on his kicks during Saturday’s practice, which may have helped convince the Vikings he’s the right man for the job.

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