The Minnesota Vikings face a challenging decision regarding safety Lewis Cine, their first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Reports indicate that Cine’s path to securing a roster spot is increasingly uncertain as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
Cine’s professional career has been marred by setbacks from the outset. His rookie season was cut short in 2022 due to a serious compound fracture in his lower left leg, limiting him to just four games. Last season, despite appearing in seven games, he contributed minimally, primarily on special teams, recording only one tackle. This underwhelming performance has cast doubts on his ability to carve out a significant role in the Vikings’ defense for the 2024 season.
Recent observations during offseason practices have placed Cine towards the bottom of the safety depth chart. According to ESPN, during practices open to reporters, Cine has been relegated to the third string, trailing behind both reserves like Theo Jackson and Jay Ward, and established starters such as Harrison Smith and Camryn Bynum. Even Josh Metellus, known for his versatility, appears ahead of Cine in the team’s plans.
Despite these challenges, there remains a glimmer of hope for Cine to revive his career trajectory. His primary objective now is to maintain his health, a crucial factor that will determine whether he can demonstrate the skills that initially made him a first-round draft choice. His standout performance during Georgia’s 2021 national championship-winning campaign, where he contributed significantly with 73 tackles, one interception, and nine passes defensed, serves as a reminder of his potential impact on the field.
Financial considerations also play a role in the Vikings’ decision-making process. Cine is slated to earn a guaranteed base salary of $1.7 million for the 2024 season, which means releasing him would not provide the team with any salary cap relief. This financial commitment could sway the Vikings towards retaining Cine as a depth option and a contributor on special teams, especially considering his potential in emergency situations.
However, there remains a scenario where Minnesota determines that Cine does not rank among their top 53 players overall, leading to his departure before the start of the regular season. The upcoming preseason and training camp will be critical for Cine to showcase his abilities and convince the coaching staff and management of his value to the team’s defensive lineup.
In summary, while Lewis Cine faces an uphill battle to secure a prominent role with the Minnesota Vikings, the combination of his potential upside and financial considerations leaves his future with the team uncertain but not entirely bleak. His performance and health during the preseason will likely dictate whether he earns a spot on the final roster as the Vikings prepare for the challenges of the upcoming NFL season.
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