Teams have to wait a few more days before they can talk to prospective free agent targets directly, but that doesn’t mean that prospective interest will remain hidden.
Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press reports that the Vikings are expected to take a “strong look” at cornerback Nolan Carroll in free agency. Carroll’s contract with the Dolphins is expiring and Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports that the expectation is that he’ll be hitting the open market despite the Dolphins’ interest in bringing him back.
That’s code for the Dolphins’ offer not being high enough for Carroll to forsake a shot to see what the market will offer. He’s started 22 games in the last two seasons and is presumably looking for a salary that befits a starting role in the future.
Minnesota’s secondary was problematic all of last season. Cornerback Xavier Rhodes and safety Harrison Smith should have prominent roles, but the other spots are less certain as the offseason gets rolling.