The three-day negotiating window opened on Saturday and the Vikings focused on two needs on Day 1: defensive end and cornerback.
The Vikings made contact on Titans unrestricted free agent cornerback Alterraun Verner, according to an NFL source. The Jets and Rams are among other teams to reach out to arguably the best cornerback in free agency. Vikings defensive backs coach Jerry Gray was Verner's defensive coordinator for the last three seasons in Tennessee.
Verner and Xavier Rhodes would be a significant upgrade at cornerback next year, but Verner won't be cheap. Packers re-signed cornerback Sam Shields on a four-year, $39 million deal. Verner should receive more money than Shields in his deal.
The Vikings also reportedly reached out to Bengals defensive end Michael Johnson, according to ESPN. They were among a number of teams to make contact to Johnson's representation as he reportedly won't return to the Bengals. Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer has been Johnson's defensive coordinator for the last five years in Cincinnati.
We're still two days away until free agency officially begins, but the Vikings haven't made much contact to some of the defensive tackles on the market. They only have one serviceable defensive tackle on the roster in Sharrif Floyd and will need a big nose tackle to pair up with Floyd on the defensive line. The Vikings have some interest in defensive tackle Derek Landri, who was cut by the Buccaneers last month, but it hasn't materialized into an offer.
Landri is free to sign with any team at the moment because he was cut. He can make contact and schedule visits with teams unlike players that will become unrestricted free agents on Tuesday, such as Johnson and Verner, that must wait until after the three-day negotiating window.
