Fabian Moreau Could Be Just What Vikings’ Secondary Needs
Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports
To say the defensive backfield has become a liability for the Minnesota Vikings is like telling people the sun is bright. Injuries, underwhelming performances, and tragedy have left the Purple in an obvious search for any glimpse of hope. Lacking major resources may have made making a big splash impossible, but signing cornerback Fabian Moreau could be a piece of the solution.
Moreau, age 30, is a veteran who has played on six teams since 2017. His most recent stop was the Denver Broncos, where he was a regular starter and had some success, notching 46 tackles, seven pass break-ups, and an interception while playing 70% of Denver’s defensive snaps.
Shaquill Griffin has been hurt, and it’s unclear when he’ll get back to practice and playing. Mekhi Blackmon is likely out of the year with his ACL injury. So, even as a late signing — coming on board officially on July 31 — Moreau has a legitimate chance at a starting spot or at least a major contributing role. Sports Illustrated’s Will Ragatz noted that Moreau is already practicing on the first-team defense.
Moreau’s PFF grade in 2023 was just over 62, with the league average being 60. Coach Kevin O’Connell said in a press conference on Friday that he believes the new signee, Moreau, will be a critical piece of the defense moving forward.
“I thought it was important to add to that DB room, another experienced guy who has played a lot of football in this league. My relationship with Fabian goes back to Washington. I know the person, I know the player, and it was exciting for (general manager) Kwesi (Adofo-Mensah) and his group to bring in Fabian,” O’Connell said.
He added: “You, at the very least, feel good about the numbers to have competitive practices and not tax those guys as they’re competing, especially at that corner spot alongside who’s going to be out there in the short term while Shaq’s working through his deal. Who’s going to be out there with (Byron Murphy Jr.)? And you’ll see some different guys out there and different rotations with the twos. So it’s a fluid thing. I think as always, we’re constantly evaluating types of players that could be available to come in and provide maybe a certain skill set.”
Still, as optimistic as O’Connell may be, you have to be realistic. The Vikings aren’t likely getting a Pro Bowl-caliber player with the signing. But they’re getting somebody who can plug into their system and at least provide some competence and leadership with his experience.
That stability is desperately needed, too. Minnesota was one of the worst statistical passing defenses in the NFL a season ago. It gave up a league-high 426 pass completions for the ninth-most yards (3,986) and the fifth-most yards after catch (2,286). The Vikings were also 24th in passes defensed (67) and allowed 23 passing touchdowns, tied for 12th in the NFL.
Even without those advanced statistics, it’s clear to see the Vikings’ defense struggled late in the year. In their final four games of 2023 — all losses — the team gave up 27, 30, 33, and 30 points.
If Griffin comes back quickly and plays well, that’s a great sign. Minnesota also signed Jacobi Francis, Duke Shelley, and Bobby McCain in late July. Any of those players could make an impact. However, it will probably fall upon Moreau’s shoulders to make some plays and keep the team afloat against some of the top passing offenses.
In the first five weeks of the season, Minnesota faces the Giants, 49ers, Texans, Packers and Jets. Each of the five — save for maybe the Giants and Daniel Jones — have solid air attacks. If Moreau provides anything near what he’s been able to do the past few seasons for various teams, it will be a major benefit for a Vikings cornerback group that needs it badly.
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