Minnesota Vikings linked to another former KC Chiefs defensive back

The Minnesota Vikings have gone to great lengths to remake their secondary this offseason, and it’s a strategy that included adding one former K.C. Chiefs cornerback. Now it sounds as if they’re ready to add another pass defender who was recently cut by general manager Brett Veach.

Ben Goessling of the Star-Tribune writes that former Chiefs defensive back Will Parks has been connected to the Vikings after being released by the Chiefs before Tuesday’s roster cuts were due to get down to 80 players. That’s good news for Parks in that he wouldn’t have to wait long to find a new home shortly before the 2021 regular season is set to begin.

The Chiefs cut ties with a couple surprising veterans on Monday but it was likely for a move just like this. Both Parks and defensive end Taco Charlton were intriguing veterans on cheap deals who could have been held for another week for the sake of security and competition, but teams often let veterans go early like this to give them a better chance of finding a new team if they ultimately know they’re not likely to make the final roster.

The Vikings are interested in former Chiefs defensive back Will Parks.

Parks was first signed by the Chiefs this offseason away from the Denver Broncos, a familiar face in the AFC West for each of the last five seasons. The Broncos have a loaded secondary and weren’t going to bring back Parks in the face of such a competitive roster (especially after drafting Patrick Surtain).

Parks was signed right after the NFL Draft in which the Chiefs didn’t select a single cornerback or safety despite potential needs at both spaces. Instead, the Chiefs landed Parks as a versatile option who can play both safety positions as well as slot corner.

Now the Vikings will likely lean on that same versatility in a remade secondary that also includes a reunion with Mackensie Alexander and the big splash of Patrick Peterson. In addition, the Vikings signed Bashaud Breeland away from the Chiefs in free agency on a one-year deal.

Parks, who is 27 years old, has played five NFL seasons, mostly with the Broncos although he did earn a short stint with the Philadelphia Eagles last year before returning to Denver at mid-season.