Former Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes made his separation with the team official on Thursday, signing a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts.
Rhodes was a 2013 first-round selection by the Vikings and lived up to their lofty expectations in seven seasons in Minnesota. While his performance included an All-Pro selection in 2017, that proved to be the turning point of his career.
The 29-year-old battled injuries throughout parts of 2018 and 2019 and experienced a steep decline in his play, allowing an 84 percent completion rate when targeted last season.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Vikings made an offer for Rhodes to return, but he chose to go to Indy instead.
Was told despite Xavier Rhodes' release from Minnesota before free agency, Vikings recently made an offer to bring him back. But Rhodes opts for the fresh start, as @AdamSchefter reports he's headed to the Colts on a one-year deal.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 26, 2020
With a series of outbursts and a massive salary, the Vikings released Rhodes prior to free agency. The Vikings have a massive dearth at the cornerback position. With Mike Hughes, Holton Hill and Kris Boyd as the only corners remaining on the roster, it will likely be a major emphasis heading into next month’s NFL Draft.
