Former Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes has agreed to a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts. As of this posting, the exact financial value of the deal is not available to the public. Rhodes has spent all seven years of his career with the Vikings thus far.
Former Vikings’ All-Pro CB Xavier Rhodes is signing a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts, @ShahSportsGroup tells ESPN. Rhodes will be a free agent again after 2020 season.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 26, 2020
Xavier Rhodes Signs With Indianapolis Colts
Rhodes is one of the NFL’s premier cover corners, but his play has slipped which resulted in his release by the Vikings. He came into the league as a first-round pick out of Florida State by the Vikings in the 2013 draft. Rhodes helped transform their pass defense as it was near the bottom in the NFL’s standings the prior year. In seven seasons, Rhodes started 97 regular-season games and recorded 10 interceptions include one for a touchdown. He earned three Pro Bowl (2016, 17 and 19) appearances and First-Team All-Pro honors in 2017 as well.
Despite all of the struggles, the attraction of Rhodes is very real with the hope of him resurrecting his career in new surroundings. He may not have the skills to be a top cornerback once again, but he’s physical and a sure-handed open field tackler.
No question, Rhodes can be a significant piece to the solution of strengthening a defense in 2020. He may not be playing at peak level, but Rhodes can still be a productive cornerback in the right defensive scheme. Plus, he will be a valuable member in the locker room as Rhodes is an incredible team leader. It’s that type of mindset that helps build teams into playoff contenders.
At Florida State, Rhodes was a three-year starter. Being an imposing, physical corner brought on several injuries (hand and knee) during his time in Tallahassee. Still, NFL scouts loved how Rhodes stood opposing receivers up at the line of scrimmage and declared him ready to play in the league.
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