Bobby McCain Joins List of Former Brian Flores Defenders Vikings Could Target in Free Agency

McCain, released by the Commanders, started for two years under Flores in Miami.

The Washington Commanders released veteran defensive back Bobby McCain on Monday, and the Vikings could be a logical landing spot for the versatile safety and slot cornerback. Why? Because McCain spent two years as a starter under Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores when Flores was the head coach of the Dolphins.

Past connections are a meaningful thing to track in the NFL. Money and fit are the most important things when coaches, players, and front office staffers are looking for new jobs, but comfort and familiarity can be a big part of the "fit" category. Having previous relationships with people you're going to be working with can go a long way.

Just look at the Vikings' last offseason, when Kwesi Adofo-Mensah hired Kevin O'Connell as head coach after the two crossed paths with the 49ers for a year in 2016. O'Connell then brought several assistant coaches with him from the Rams. The Vikings signed Za'Darius Smith and Chandon Sullivan in free agency, in part because they had former Packers coaches Mike Smith and Mike Pettine on their staff.

The Vikings need defensive help this offseason, and McCain's release adds him to the list of former Flores defenders who are available in free agency. Let's go through some of the more notable names on that list. (We won't speculate on potential trades right now, but that could be an option for players currently under contract elsewhere).

Former Brian Flores defenders the Vikings could target in FA

CB/S Bobby McCain

McCain, a fifth-round pick in 2015, has started 87 games over his eight-year career. He spent his first six years with the Dolphins, including the 2019 and '20 seasons with Flores, and then spent the last two seasons in Washington. McCain is a sudden, explosive athlete at 5'9", 195 pounds. He was primarily a free safety under Flores, but he can play slot corner or line up in the box as well. McCain, who turns 30 this summer, has 11 career interceptions, 44 passes defended, and four sacks, with PFF grades ranging from 61 to 71 over the past four years. He's a versatile, experienced DB who shouldn't cost too much at this stage of his career.

CB Cameron Sutton

One of the top free agent cornerbacks this offseason, Sutton worked with Flores last season during Flores' one-year stint on the Steelers' coaching staff. The 28-year-old spent six years in Pittsburgh, but didn't become a full-time starter until 2021. He was extremely stingy in coverage last year, allowing a completion percentage of 50.7 and a passer rating of 69.6 on 71 targets, with three picks and 15 total passes defended. Sutton will be looking for a sizable contract, and it's possible he ends up returning to the Steelers.

CB Jonathan Jones

Jones' connection with Flores goes back to Flores' pre-Miami days in New England. The two were together for three seasons, from 2016-18. Jones shined for the Patriots in a rotational role from 2017-20, then started 16 games last season and bounced back nicely from an injury-plagued 2021. He had four picks, three forced fumbles, and 11 passes defended. Jones, a former UDFA, can play inside or outside.

LB Elandon Roberts

Roberts has been a Flores favorite for a while. A sixth-round pick by the Patriots in 2016, he spent three seasons under Flores in New England and then signed with the Dolphins after his rookie contract expired. Roberts' PFF numbers haven't been great, but he has 76 career starts and set career highs with 4.5 sacks, 10 TFL, and 107 total tackles last season. He could be an option at inside linebacker if Eric Kendricks and/or Jordan Hicks become cap casualties this offseason. Second-year LB Brian Asamoah seems ready to assume a starting role in 2023, but that won't be handed to him.

CB/S Eric Rowe

Here's another guy who followed Flores from New England to Miami. Rowe spent six straight seasons with Flores (2016-21), suggesting the two have a very strong relationship. Rowe, like McCain, is a versatile veteran who can play all over the defensive backfield. The one-time Eagles second-round pick has a little more size than McCain at 6'1", though. Rowe was a full-time starter for the Dolphins in 2019 and '20 before thriving in a more rotational role in 2021. He has five career interceptions, six forced fumbles, and even recorded two sacks last season.

DT Larry Ogunjobi

The Vikings will need another starting defensive tackle if they don't end up bringing Dalvin Tomlinson back. Ogunjobi has been rather average as a full-time starter over the past five seasons, first with the Browns and then with the Bengals and Steelers (his Flores connection comes from last year in Pittsburgh). Ogunjobi's best skill is his pass rush ability at 6'4", 305, with 23 career sacks and 176 pressures. If he ever leaves the AFC North, Minnesota could be a fit at the right price.

Others

• OLB Kyle Van Noy (Patriots)
• CB Nik Needham (Dolphins)
• LB Andrew Van Ginkel (Dolphins)
• LB Duke Riley (Dolphins)
• DE Trey Flowers (Patriots)
• DT Chris Wormley (Steelers)
• DT Tyson Alualu (Steelers)
• S Terrell Edmunds (Steelers)
• DT John Jenkins (Dolphins)

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