Former Vikings third-round pick and starting cornerback Cameron Dantzler has been released for a second time in three months. After being waived by the Vikings in March and claimed by the Commanders, Dantzler was released by Washington this week.
It's fairly surprising to see Dantzler be let go after just a few months with the Commanders. OTAs are underway across the league, and Washington decided to go in a different direction on their 90-man roster ahead of training camp.
Dantzler, 24, was selected by the Vikings in the third round out of Mississippi State in 2020. He started at least seven games in all three of his seasons in Minnesota, appearing in 35 total games with 26 starts. Dantzler showed plenty of promise during his first two seasons, earning a 70-plus PFF grade on over 600 snaps in both seasons. He wasn't as effective last season, so it wasn't shocking to see the Vikings move on after bringing in defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
Still, for Dantzler to not even make it to June with the Commanders is a semi-stunner. It'll be interesting to see if the 6'2" Dantzler — who likely fell in the draft due to his 4.64 40 and 3.03 RAS — catches on with another team for training camp. Unless something else is going on off the field, one would imagine he'll get another opportunity somewhere.
Dantzler recorded 149 tackles, 6 TFL, 17 passes defended, three INTs, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries during his Vikings tenure. He secured a win over the Bears last season with a strip and recovery of former teammate Ihmir Smith-Marsette. However, he also seemed to get in the doghouse of multiple coaching staffs, losing his starting role to players like Bashaud Breeland and Duke Shelley.
The Vikings are moving forward with Byron Murphy Jr., Akayleb Evans, Andrew Booth Jr., Mekhi Blackmon, Joejuan Williams, and a handful of others at cornerback.
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