Bashaud Breeland signs with Minnesota Vikings

After an offseason in which Chiefs Kingdom wondered if Bashaud Breeland would return to Kansas City for another season (or more) in free agency, the veteran cornerback has reportedly found a new home with the Minnesota Vikings. After visiting the team earlier in the offseason, the two sides struck a deal to bring in Breeland to help bolster a remade secondary.

The Vikings offloaded Mike Hughes this offseason in a trade with the Chiefs already but now they’ve signed a former Chiefs corner in Breeland to remake the secondary along with fellow additions in Patrick Peterson—also long rumored in connection with the Chiefs—and Mackensie Alexander, who was formerly with the Vikings before spending 2020 with the Cincinnati Bengals. The team has also drafted Camryn Bynum and signed Xavier Woods as well.

Breeland has been a fixture for a Chiefs defense that played in consecutive Super Bowls. Despite starting last season with a four-game suspension, Breeland returned to claim a starting role outside and was able to provide uncomfortably tight coverage for most opposing pass catchers. His style was well-suited for Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive demands and he will be missed in K.C.

As for the Chiefs, they will now turn to younger options who they hope will fly from the nest when given the chance. Hughes is a perfect example as a former first-round pick in a contract year who could make significantly more money next spring if he can turn heads this fall. The same can be said of Deandre Baker, who was the first cornerback taken in the 2019 NFL Draft. In addition, Charvarius Ward is also hitting free agency next year and stands to make a lot if he can lock down a boundary spot opposite L’Jarius Sneed.

Breeland started 26 games for the Chiefs over the last two regular seasons. He had 17 total pass deflections and 4 interceptions in that span. He will be 29 years old next season, and the Vikes will be his fourth NFL franchise.