Vikings cornerback expects to hold on to starting role
Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn welcomes Terence Newman joining the Minnesota Vikings. He just doesn’t see Newman beating him out.
Newman, who will be 37 when the regular season starts, signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract Friday with the Vikings, with $750,000 guaranteed. When asked earlier in the week where Newman would play, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said, “left corner,” which is where Munnerlyn started all 16 games last season.
“I’m ready for the competition,” Munnerlyn told the Pioneer Press on Saturday. “I’m an athlete, so I never feel like anyone can beat me out. I feel I can hold onto the job. I’m betting on myself.”
Munnerlyn also vows to again stave off Josh Robinson. He was able to beat out Robinson in training camp last year.
Munnerlyn has no problem with Newman, a Pro Bowl selection in 2007 and 2009, being signed. The 12-year-veteran had two previous stints with Zimmer when he was a defensive coordinator, one with Dallas from 2003-06 and one in Cincinnati from 2012-13.
“I think it’s great,” said Munnerlyn, a six-year veteran. “He’s a veteran. It’s great for competition. It will bring out the best in me. I’m excited about the competition. I just know that I’ve got to play a lot better than I did last year.”
The 5-foot-9 Munnerlyn had told the Pioneer Press last December he believed erratic play might put him in danger of being cut after one year of a three-year, $11.25 million contract he signed last March. However, he said earlier this month he was told he was safe.
There has been plenty of discussion about Zimmer perhaps preferring Munnerlyn be Minnesota’s nickel back. However, Munnerlyn said that is nothing new.
“I don’t want that to happen,” Munnerlyn said. “I’ve been labeled my whole career as just a nickel back, but I’ve been able to show people I’m more than that. But I know that I’ve got to work hard this offseason.”
Munnerlyn said he has been in “beast mode” training in Charlotte, N.C., where he still lives after having played his first five seasons with the Carolina Panthers. He said he has been working on his speed, and it has helped having lost weight.
“I was a member of the 200 club last season,” said Munnerlyn, who is listed at 195 pounds. “I got over 200 pounds sometimes. But now I’m down to about 190. I’m working my tail off.”
The Vikings are expected to take a cornerback in the April 30-May 2 draft, perhaps Michigan State star Trae Waynes with the No. 11 pick in the first round. Munnerlyn said he would welcome any competition from a draft pick.
