The Minnesota Vikings demonstrated their ability to adapt under pressure last season, revamping their cornerback group just before the campaign began. With similar uncertainty looming this offseason, the Vikings could address a critical need by targeting veteran cornerback Charvarius Ward in free agency.
Ward, who turns 29 in May, spent the last three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and is coming off a Pro Bowl year in 2023. He led the NFL with 23 pass deflections and recorded five interceptions, showcasing his ability to make game-changing plays. Ward also brings championship experience, having won a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs after the 2019 season.
The Vikings are likely to lose both of their starting outside cornerbacks—Byron Murphy Jr. and Stephon Gilmore—to free agency, making Ward an ideal replacement. ESPN’s Aaron Schatz highlighted Ward’s versatility, noting, “He’s solid in both man and zone coverage, and the 49ers played more zone this past season while the Vikings play a lot of zone behind Brian Flores’ blitz packages.”
While Ward’s 2024 season saw a dip in performance (below-average coverage DVOA in 12 games with only seven passes defended), his 2023 campaign was stellar. He ranked 26th in coverage DVOA, led the league in pass deflections, and snagged five interceptions. Schatz added, “There are a couple more seasons of prime performance left for him.”
Ward enters free agency after completing a three-year, $40.5 million deal with the 49ers, having earned $46 million over his career. For the Vikings, signing Ward would provide stability and experience in a secondary facing significant turnover, while also adding a proven playmaker to their defense.
Leave a Reply