Minnesota Vikings can secure their defensive future by giving Brian Flores a weapon he can maximize to the fullest

The future at the safety position for the Minnesota Vikings after Harrison Smith chooses to retire. They just extended Josh Metellus and gave Theo Jackson a contract similar to the first extension that Metellus signed: a prove it deal.

With how Brian Flores likes to operate his defense, it's predicated on a lot of blitzes and deception. That requires safeties to be a unique type of player to maximize that style of defense. That player could be available at or after cutdown day, and it's someone who the Vikings just saw.

Kyle Duggar could become a Minnesota Viking

One player who could be maximized in the Vikings' scheme is New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger. He looks to be on the chopping block for the Patriots, which is wild to think about. Duggar signed a four-year deal worth $58 million in April of 2024.

It seems that he's falling out of favor with the Patriots, as he spent time working with the scout team defense this past week during joint practices. Despite that, Patriots general manager Eliot Wolf still believes that there is still a role for Dugger.

“Yeah, I think there’s still a role. It’s about trying to find the right combination and earn a role. The safety position is a lot based on communication, and so, getting Craig (Woodson), who’s a rookie out there, with different combinations of people is also something we’re looking at as well.”

Patriots GM Eliot Wolf

That quote isn't necessarily a ringing endorsement for Dugger. They could be looking to move him, especially since head coach Mike Vrabel took over after Dugger was signed to an extension. His fall down the depth chart has been surprising, but there are things that point to a potential parting of the ways.