Chandon

Sullivan

Sullivan started 10 games and played in all 17 with the Vikings last season, finishing with no picks and seven passes defensed. He’ll be depth for a Steelers team that saw their depth tested often last season. Sullivan only has 62 special teams snaps over his past two seasons so he’s not exactly someone who is guaranteed to make the Pittsburgh roster.

Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press said that the “belief” is Sullivan will spend most of his time in the slot. However, Sullivan believes he’s capable of lining up anywhere to contribute. Per PFF.com, Sullivan has appeared on 2,132 defensive snaps for his career, with 1,432 of them coming from the slot. In 2019, Sullivan saw some work at free safety in addition to slot corner, but he’ll likely step back into his familiar slot role in 2022.

Sullivan, 25, reunites with former Packers DC Mike Pettine in Minnesota. Sullivan appeared in all 49 games for the Packers over the last three seasons, making 20 starts in that span. He gives the Vikings a capable body in the secondary, but Minnesota has more work to do on the back end at cornerback.

Sullivan had a highly-successful small sample size with the Packers and current Vikings DC Mike Pettine in 2019. He hasn’t done quite as well over the past two years, allowing 8.9 yards per target in 2021 per Sports Info Solutions. The Vikings currently have Cam Dantzler, Kris Boyd, Harrison Hand, and Parry Nickerson under contract at corner, with Patrick Peterson and Mackensie Alexander still free agents.

Sullivan was given the lowest possible RFA tender. He’ll return to the Packers after not getting any offer sheets from teams. Sullivan started 10 games in the slot last year and played 71% of defensive snaps. Green Bay is likely to draft a rookie to push Sullivan behind Jaire Alexander and Kevin King.

The team also extended a second-round tender to TE Robert Tonyan. Sullivan transitioned into Green Bay’s starting slot corner in 2020 and has played in all 32 games the last two seasons. The Packers won’t receive compensation if it refuses to match any offers Sullivan, 24, receives.

Sullivan’s second year with the Packers saw the 23-year-old UDFA log 548 snaps, including 350 in coverage off the bench. His role on special teams is safe in 2020 no matter his spot on defense.

They also added WR Darrius Shepherd. Sullivan made five appearances with the Eagles last season after being signed as an undrafted free agent out of Georgia State. He faces long odds for a roster spot.

Sullivan (5’11/194) made 44 starts in Georgia State’s secondary, collecting 25 career pass breakups and seven interceptions. Although Sullivan ran slow (4.60) at the Combine, he destroyed the vertical (40 ½") and broad (11’2") jumps, and his athleticism isn’t in doubt. Sullivan offers upside joining an NFL coaching and weight-room staff to harness his physical gifts, but ultimately is a small-school long shot.