Vikings Secret Backup Plan at CB Revealed

Sep 25, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) leaves the field after warmups before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports.

The Minnesota Vikings’ main cornerback moves this offseason involved re-signing Byron Murphy Jr. and adding newcomer Isaiah Rodgers.

A Vikings-themed writer revealed the Vikings’ secret backup plan at cornerback if Byron Murphy Jr. had left. And the man isn’t someone fans had on their radar.

But the team evidently poked around Nate Hobbs’ free agency, a man who later ended up with the Vikings’ rival, the Green Bay Packers.

There was a world, though, where Hobbs could’ve been a Viking.

Vikings Had a Contingency Plan in Free Agency

Vikings Reportedly Had Free Agent Interest in CB Nate Hobbs

The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis hosts an insightful Vikings podcast, and last week, he spilled the beans a bit about Minnesota’s alleged interest in Hobbs.

Oct 2, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders CB N. Hobbs (39) celebrates after he sacks Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

He claimed Hobbs was “squarely on the radar” of the Vikings had Minnesota not re-upped with Murphy Jr., who was a hot free-agent commodity after reaching his first Pro Bowl in 2024.

Murphy Jr. signed a three-year extension in Minnesota, worth $54 million, and Hobbs simply wasn’t needed.

Byron Murphy Jr. Reunion Instead

Minnesota needed the stability and continuity provided by Murphy Jr. In fact, had Murphy Jr. signed with another club and only fetched Rodgers, for example, the starting duo of Hobbs and Rodgers would have inspired jitters from fans.

Dec 8, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Ben Skowronek (18) runs the ball against Las Vegas Raiders CB N. Hobbs (39) during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Murphy Jr. said throughout 2024, even dating back to the summer, that he wanted to re-sign with the Vikings. He told the truth. Minnesota locked in its man, and now Murphy will embark on Year No. 3 with the purple team.

The Vikings’ CB Room without Hobbs

Some fans have reservations about the current cornerbacks, identifying them as the only real weaknesses on the current depth chart. It’s why many wanted Minnesota to sign Jaire Alexander a couple of weeks ago before he later landed in Baltimore. It’s also why a Jalen Ramsey trade has intrigued Vikings faithful.

Here’s the CB corps in mid-to-late June:

Byron Murphy Jr.

Isaiah Rodgers

Mekhi Blackmon

Jeff Okudah

Dwight McGlothern

Ambry Thomas

Tavierre Thomas

Kahlef Hailassie

Reddy Steward

Zemaiah Vaughn

Keenan Garber

Hobbs’ Company in Green Bay

The Packers notably lost the aforementioned Alexander last week to the Ravens. Hobbs will have to truly take off in Green Bay to compensate for Alexander’s usually stellar performance.

November 5, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders CB N. Hobbs (39) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrate after an interception by Hobbs against the New York Giants during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

This is the Packers’ cornerback unit:

Nate Hobbs

Javon Bullard

Keisean Nixon

Carrington Valentine

Kalen King

Micah Robinson

Isaiah Dunn

Tyron Herring

Kamal Hadden

Gregory Junior

Johnathan Baldwin

Packers-Themed Media Jittery about Hobbs

Hobbs has battled injuries in his career, and Packers-themed analysts have noticed.

Packers Wire’s Zach Kruse wrote last week, “In 2022, Hobbs broke his hand and missed six games. In 2023, Hobbs injured his ankle and missed four games. In 2024, Hobbs injured his ankle again and missed four games. He also missed two games over the final three weeks due to an illness.”

“During each of the last three seasons, Hobbs has missed almost a quarter of the season. The Packers are counting on Hobbs to be a top player at cornerback in 2025. His deal averages $12 million per season, and the Packers think he can handle playing snaps both in the slot and on the perimeter in Jeff Hafley’s defense.”

Dec 25, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Las Vegas Raiders CB N. Hobbs (39) runs onto the field against the Kansas City Chiefs prior to a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings beat the Packers twice last season.

Kruse added, “Hobbs was the big acquisition for the Packers at cornerback, a position in transition in Green Bay this season. And not having him for any period of time could be a difficult challenge as the Packers turn to Hobbs, Carrington Valentine and Keisean Nixon as expected starters and Javon Bullard, Kalen King, Kamal Hadden and Micah Robinson as backup options.”

“Injuries are unpredictable things in a sport as rough and tough as football. Hobbs has an aggressive, hard-charging playstyle that might contribute to his recent injury history, but it’s impossible to know if he’ll stay healthy or suffer another injury that costs him games in 2025. The Packers are banking on having him available as often as possible this season.”

Overall, Minnesota targeted Hobbs as a possible free-agent contingency plan, but he ended up in Green Bay. And now there’s a bit of an injury concern.

Hobbs logged a 61.5 Pro Football Focus grade in 2024.

Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily … More about Dustin Baker