 |
| Photo: Vikings.com |
The Vikings have reached an extension with cornerback Xavier Rhodes. He is now under contract through 2022.
Updated: July 30, 2017, 1:22 p.m.
By: Daniel House
By: Daniel House
The Vikings have agreed to a 6-year, $78.126 million extension with cornerback Xavier Rhodes, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The deal features $41 million guaranteed, the report said. It includes 2017 and averages to $13 million. Rhodes is now under contract through 2022.
According to Spotrac, Rhodes' yearly average ranks third among cornerbacks over the first three years of the contract. Over the life of the deal, Rhodes ranks ninth, which means there's likely plenty of bonuses in the deal. The new contract allows the Vikings to get creative with their cap space to sign other players within their young core.
Rhodes has cemented himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the game since being selected by the Vikings in 2013. He really excelled under the instruction of head coach Mike Zimmer and defensive backs coach Jerry Gray. Rhodes went from wearing boxing gloves in practice, to holding Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham to three catches for 23 yards last October. Rhodes was named to his first Pro Bowl in 2016, notching a career-high five interceptions. In addition, he allowed just .94 yards per coverage snap last year, which was significantly lower than the league average (1.24), according to Pro Football Focus. Minnesota needed to ensure Rhodes was under contract to maintain their recent success against the pass.
The Vikings have now locked down three players in their defensive core, including Rhodes, Harrison Smith, and Everson Griffen. Minnesota will now shift their attention to extending defensive tackle Linval Joseph, defensive end Danielle Hunter, and linebackers Eric Kendricks/Anthony Barr over the next year.
Rhodes will speak with the media at 5 p.m. Sunday, but took to Twitter to highlight his bank account catching the "Holy Ghost."
The bank account done caught the Holy Ghost!!!!💰💰💰💰— Xavier Rhodes (@XavierRhodes29_) July 30, 2017
No comments:
Post a Comment