Picks and paychecks

Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes increasingly has been playing like a leader and, after signing a five-year, $70 million contract in July, he’s being paid like one. Here are the past five-plus-interception seasons by a Vikings cornerback:

2016: Xavier Rhodes, 5

2003: Brian Williams, 5

1998: Jimmy Hitchcock, 7

1992: Audray McMillian, 8

1988: Carl Lee, 8

Source: Pro Football Reference

 

Rhodes’ new contract also makes him the highest-paid Vikings defenders by 2017 cap hit. Here’s the team’s top five:

Xavier Rhodes, CB: $10.4 million

Everson Griffen, DE: $8.6 million

Harrison Smith, FS: $7.5 million

Linval Joseph, DT: $7.1 million

Sharrif Floyd, DT: $6.8 million

Source: NFLPA data