In his first three years on the job, coach Mike Zimmer, with the help of GM Rick Spielman and his staff, bolstered the depth at the cornerback spot, where it never hurts to have a couple extra capable cover men.

One of the first signings the Vikings made after Zimmer was hired in 2014 was slot specialist Captain Munnerlyn. They spent their 2015 first-round pick on Trae Waynes and also signed Terence Newman that offseason. Last spring, they used their second-rounder on Mackensie Alexander.

Throw in 2013 first-rounder Xavier Rhodes, who has blossomed into one of the league's better corners under Zimmer, and the Vikings had the luxury of easing both Waynes and then Alexander into live action.

Those two could be relied upon to take on bigger roles in 2017, with Munnerlyn and Newman both set to become free agents next month.

Munnerlyn clearly loves his Vikings teammates. But he rightfully wants to take advantage of what could be his last change to cash in as a free agent. He also views himself as an every-down player, not just a nickelback.

Newman, meanwhile, will turn 39 in September. He chose not to make himself available after the season to discuss his future, so it is unclear if he is considering retirement. He proved again last season, though, that he has something left in the tank if he wants to continue playing in 2017.

But if the Vikings were to lose both this offseason, Zimmer and Spielman would again have to find more capable bodies to fill the depth chart.

The time has come to make Waynes a full-time starter after he showed promise in his second season while splitting time with Newman again. Alexander showed he has talent, too, if Zimmer can help him harness it. Jabari Price had a solid camp last season before ending up on IR.

But as we have seen in years past, a couple of injuries at cornerback can quickly shatter a secondary. And Zimmer's aggressive defense, especially his signature blitzes, require corners who can fend for themselves.

So while cornerback is not seemingly one of the team's top offseason needs, it won't be a position the Vikings neglect if they lose Munnerlyn and Newman, two of their top four cornerbacks this past season.