Well, Vikings fans, it’s not the key free-agent signing we were anticipating, but it is a solid move nonetheless.
As most of you know, the Vikings have been pretty quiet in free agency—signing tight end John Carlson, running back Lex Hilliard, fullback Jerome Felton, guard Geoff Schwartz and now Zack Bowman. Minnesota also re-signed wide receiver Devin Aromashodu and linebacker Erin Henderson.
Minnesota was clear that they didn’t plan on making a big splash for top-dollar free agents but would rather sign players that fit the Vikings’ offensive and defensive schemes.
A week ago, Minnesota’s secondary looked like a complete disaster. While it hasn’t improved as much as it should, the Vikings are doing a great job in securing depth behind Antoine Winfield.
Many people don’t take the fact that Chris Cook will play in 2012 into account. Since he missed most of 2011, having Cook on the team is just like signing a young cornerback with great size.
As for Zackary Bowman, he is a former Bears cornerback, who makes the majority of his impact on special teams.
Bowman started in 12 games during the 2009 season but only wound up starting in one game this past season. It’s clear his role will mostly be on special teams.
Bowman, 27, is 6’1″, 195 pounds. He played his college football at Nebraska before becoming a fifth-round pick in 2008.
He was quickly waived by the Bears but was signed to their practice squad, where, a month later, he was promoted to contribute on defense.
Bowman played so well in his short time with the Bears that they decided to keep him on the main roster for years to come.
In 2009, Bowman played in all 16 games, recording 66 tackles and a team-high six interceptions. Over the past two seasons, Bowman combined for 47 tackles, while only making four starts.
With 115 tackles, seven interceptions and two forced fumbles under his belt, Bowman definitely has the potential to be either a great dime or nickel cornerback.
Despite signing Bowman, the Vikings remain interested in cornerback Chris Carr, who last played for the Baltimore Ravens and has spent time with the Raiders and Titans as well.
Carr was a 16-game starter for the Ravens in 2010, where he notched 61 tackles, two interceptions and three forced fumbles.
This past season, Carr tallied only 19 tackles, while missing several games and primarily playing on special teams.
If you haven’t noticed a pattern, the Vikings are making a lot of signings that will not only help with their depth dilemma but also special teams.
Although Carr is nearly 29 years old, he still has plenty of skill to make an impact wherever he’s needed. There are other teams in line for his services but no team that is more desperate than the Vikings are.
With the Vikings now having Zackary Bowman locked up under contract, they can turn their focus to adding depth to the secondary. A team player like Carr is a great start.
If the Vikings make any further acquisitions, as always, I will report on them. Stay tuned!
Be sure to follow Tanner Thoms on Twitter @TannerThoms
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