After getting waived by the Vikings earlier this week, Cameron Dantzler has found a new home. The defensive back has been claimed off waivers by the Commanders, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
The 2020 third-round pick has a year remaining on his rookie contract. The cash-strapped Vikings created about $2.7M by moving on from the defensive back, and Washington will inherit his $2.9M cap hit.
Dantzler has found himself in and out of the starting lineup during his three seasons in Minnesota, starting 26 of his 35 appearances. Pro Football Focus graded Dantzler outside the top-60 at corner this past year, but the Vikings continued to rely on him despite the selection of Andrew Booth in the second round.
Booth eventually suffered a season-ending injury, but he was unable to overtake Dantzler before the setback.
Dantzler also spent time on injured reserve last season with a high ankle sprain. His lack of production and Minnesota’s lack of cap flexibility ultimately made him a cap casualty, even with the Vikings losing a whole lot of depth at the position.
The Commanders will hope they can get more out of the defensive back during the 2023 season, and Dantzler will have one season to audition for his new squad before hitting free agency next offseason.
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