Cameron

Dantzler

Dantzler has become somewhat of a reclamation project over the last several months. Since being cut by the Vikings in March, Dantzler has made stops with the Commanders and Bills and now finds himself trying to catch on with the Texans. We’ll see if anything sticks this time, but the former third-round pick has had short stays in new places as of late. Last season with the Vikings, he allowed 39 receptions for 396 yards and two touchdowns on 50 targets in 10 games.

Dantzler, a former third-round draft pick, was claimed by Washington in March and waived in late May. The Vikings parted ways with him in March as a salary cap move. In three disappointing seasons with the Vikings, Dantzler had three interceptions. He’ll join a Buffalo defense graded by Pro Football Focus as last year’s tenth best coverage unit.

He was claimed off waivers from the Vikings on March 13th and does not live to see June with Washington. The former third-rounder will likely draw interest on waivers on the last year of his rookie deal, as he did when Minnesota waived him earlier this year. If he doesn’t get claimed, he’ll likely resurface on a different depth chart.

Dantzler was a recent cap casualty of the Vikings, as the third-year vet was waived to clear $2.7 million in cap space. The oft-injured defensive back started nine games for the Vikings last season before going down in Week 9 with an ankle injury. Still, the former third-round pick as turned in starting-caliber play when healthy, and could bolster the Commanders’ secondary if he’s able to stay on the field.

Dantzler was about to enter the final year of his rookie contract. The team selected him in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. His release saves Minnesota $2.7 million against the cap. Dantzler started nine games for the Vikings last year. He broke up five passes and Pro Football Focus graded him as their No. 65 corner. Dantzler has struggled with injuries during his three NFL seasons but was a starting-caliber corner when on the field last year. He will likely clear waivers before having some suitors willing to take a one-year shot on him.

Dantzler was listed as questionable because of an ankle issue. He has five passes defended and one forced fumble across 10 appearances this year. Harrison Smith and Kene Nwangwu are both active after being listed as questionable.

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said that Dantzler is “going through something pretty serious,” and that the team is behind him. Dantzler missed all three practices this week and the tone of O’Connell’s comments makes us believe it would be surprising if he played.

Dantzler returned from IR last week, playing 49% of defensive snaps, and will continue to start opposite Patrick Peterson. The Vikings will also get first-round LT Christian Darrisaw (concussion) back this week. Inactive for Minnesota are C Garrett Bradbury, OLB Patrick Jones, DL Ross Blacklock, CB Kalon Barnes, and CB Parry Nickerson.

Dantzler rejoins Patrick Peterson on the perimeter, while Chandon Sullivan remains at nickel. While Dantzler is not expected to immediately return to the 100% snap rate he had played prior to injury, Week 14 will mark the first game since Week 9 in which Minnesota had their top three corners on the field together.

Dantzler has been on injured reserve since November 12. He might not return this week against Detroit but he should be active sometime in December. He’ll be a solid addition to a Minnesota coverage unit graded by Pro Football Focus as the league’s 11th worst this season.