Here’s a look at the Vikings:
- Former Browns defensive tackle Phil Taylor is trying out with for the Vikings today, according to ESPN.com’s Ben Goessling (on Twitter). Taylor, a former first-round pick, hasn’t really been heard from since he auditioned for the Ravens in November. Taylor, 27, was a starter on defense for Cleveland in 2013, but only played 555 defensive snaps, serving primarily as a run stopper. While he wasn’t a full-time player, Taylor’s performance against the run still placed him a solid 26th among 69 qualified defensive tackles, according to Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics. Then, Taylor played just 133 snaps in 2014 before being sidelined with a knee injury.
- The Vikings are also working out defensive lineman Euclid Cummings today, according to a source who spoke with Andrew Krammer of 1500 ESPN (on Twitter). Cummings most recently played in the CFL for the Toronto Argonauts.
- After putting his toe in the water last week, Vikings veteran defensive back Terence Newman could be making a more permanent move to the safety position, Jason Gonzalez of the Star Tribune writes. Newman, 37, could be called upon to play safety if regular starters Harrison Smith (hamstring/knee) and Andrew Sendejo (knee) continue to miss time. At his advanced age, Newman would welcome a move to the less strenuous position. “I think [safety is] definitely easier,” Newman said comparing it to cornerback. “You don’t have to run backwards, shift your body backwards if some dude is running full speed forwards, so in that aspect it’s definitely easier.”