Mackensie Alexander
FILE- In this Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, file photo, Minnesota Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson (7) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati. Peterson describes himself as a born leader. That's one of the reasons why the Minnesota Vikings wanted to sign the eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback this year, even if he's past his prime. Peterson and the Vikings have their hands full this week against his former team the Arizona Cardinals. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean, File)
'Born leader' Peterson guides Vikings D, to visit Cards next

By Dave Campbell 19 hrs ago

Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II takes part in drills during an NFL football training camp at the team's headquarters Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021, in Englewood, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Broncos' secondary has gone from weakness to strength in '21

By Arnie Stapleton Sep. 06, 2021 05:12 PM EDT

FILE - Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) signals teammates during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Minneapolis, in this Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, file photo. The Minnesota Vikings are bringing back defensive end Everson Griffen, now the fourth player on defense to rejoin the team this year after time away with another team. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn, File)
Vikings hope family reunion on defense sparks resurgence

By Dave Campbell Sep. 06, 2021 04:05 PM EDT

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer watches from the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Friday, Aug. 27, 2021, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
With last-chance vibe, Vikes aim to overcome early setbacks

By Dave Campbell Sep. 01, 2021 08:29 PM EDT

Pressure's on Zimmer, Vikings, looking to lean on restored D

By The Associated Press Sep. 01, 2021 03:45 PM EDT
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (7-9) New faces: DT Dalvin Tomlinson, DT Michael Pierce, CB Patrick Peterson, CB Bashaud Breeland, TE Chris Herndon, K...

FILE - In this Nov. 8, 2020, file photo, Detroit Lions wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) tries to break a tackle by Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) after catching a pass during the first half of an NFL football game in Minneapolis. The Vikings have signed five-time Pro Bowl safety Smith to a contract extension Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, securing the team's longest-tenured player for what could be the remainder of his career. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn, File)
Vikes sign 10th-year safety Harrison Smith to $64M extension

By Dave Campbell Aug. 29, 2021 03:55 PM EDT

FILE - Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) signals teammates during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Minneapolis, in this Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, file photo. The Minnesota Vikings are bringing back defensive end Everson Griffen, now the fourth player on defense to rejoin the team this year after time away with another team. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn, File)
Vikings bring back 4-time Pro Bowl pick Griffen as backup DE

By Dave Campbell Aug. 23, 2021 03:37 PM EDT

Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer, left, listens to wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) during NFL football training camp Wednesday, July 28, 2021, in Eagan, Minn. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Buoyed by experienced 'D,' Zimmer exudes unfamiliar optimism

By Dave Campbell Jul. 29, 2021 07:28 PM EDT

Zimmer, Vikings aim for rebound with restocked defense

By The Associated Press Jul. 24, 2021 11:28 AM EDT
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (7-9) CAMP SITE: Eagan, Minnesota LAST YEAR: After a badly deteriorated defense and a rash of...

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter runs through a drill during NFL football minicamp practice Wednesday, June 16, 2021, in Eagan, Minn. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Back from neck injury, grateful Hunter excited about Vikes D

By Dave Campbell Jun. 16, 2021 06:26 PM EDT

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) watches during NFL football minicamp practice Tuesday, June 15, 2021, in Eagan, Minn. Hunter just signed a re-worked contract. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Vikes further bolster front by signing DT Sheldon Richardson

By Dave Campbell Jun. 15, 2021 11:56 AM EDT

Vikings agree to terms with cornerback Breeland

By The Associated Press Jun. 04, 2021 07:39 PM EDT
The Minnesota Vikings agreed to contract terms Friday with former Kansas City cornerback Bashaud Breeland, bringing in another veteran to boost a major...

Vikings sign former Titans cornerback Tye Smith

Jun. 03, 2021 02:39 PM EDT
EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings signed former Tennessee Titans cornerback Tye Smith on Thursday, adding a little depth and experience to a group that...

File-This Dec. 8, 2019, file photo shows Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones catching a pass ahead of Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mike Hughes, right, during the first half of an NFL football game, in Minneapolis. The Vikings have declined the fifth-year contract option for Hughes. The 2018 first-round pick has missed more than half of the games to injuries since he was drafted. Neck trouble that first occurred in 2019 continued last season and limited him to four games. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King, File)
Vikings send CB Hughes to Chiefs in late-round pick swap

May. 13, 2021 08:49 PM EDT

File-This Dec. 8, 2019, file photo shows Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones catching a pass ahead of Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mike Hughes, right, during the first half of an NFL football game, in Minneapolis. The Vikings have declined the fifth-year contract option for Hughes. The 2018 first-round pick has missed more than half of the games to injuries since he was drafted. Neck trouble that first occurred in 2019 continued last season and limited him to four games. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King, File)
Vikings decline 5th-year option on injury-hampered CB Hughes

May. 03, 2021 06:20 PM EDT

File-This Oct. 31, 2020, file photo shows Michigan defensive lineman Kwity Paye (19) rushing the quarterback during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State in Ann Arbor, Mich. Paye is one of the top edge rushers in this year’s draft who could entice the Vikings with the No. 14 overall pick. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)
With needs on both lines, Vikes have draft-pick limitations

By Dave Campbell Apr. 23, 2021 04:27 PM EDT

Bengals look to shore up lines, receiver corps in draft

By The Associated Press Apr. 22, 2021 12:36 PM EDT
CINCINNATI BENGALS (4-11-1) LAST SEASON: The Bengals showed some life under rookie quarterback Joe Burrow and had some close losses in the...

With No. 14 pick, Vikings could use boost on both lines

By The Associated Press Apr. 22, 2021 12:32 PM EDT
14. MINNESOTA VIKINGS (7-9) LAST SEASON: Minnesota stumbled to a 1-5 start due largely to a deteriorated defense coach Mike Zimmer declared...

FILE - Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mackensie Alexander waits on the snap during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Detroit, in this Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, file photo. The Vikings have added more seasoning to their secondary by agreeing to contract terms with cornerback Mackensie Alexander and safety Xavier Woods. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson, File)
Secondary help: Vikings bring back Alexander, add Woods

By Dave Campbell Mar. 29, 2021 10:46 AM EDT

File-This Nov. 29, 2020, file photo shows Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Riley Reiff (71) in action in the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Minneapolis. Cincinnati bolstered its offensive line, which was a glaring weakness in a 4-11-1 2020 season, with the signing of ex-Vikings Reiff as the team seeks better protection for quarterback Joe Burrow. (AP Photo/David Berding, File)
Bengals cut Atkins, add to offensive, defensive lines

By Mitch Stacy Mar. 19, 2021 06:25 PM EDT