James Pierre’s Vikings Role Could Grow Amid Strong Season

The Vikings have received attention for a defense that has allowed a league-low 13.3 points per game and recorded 25 sacks. But James Pierre has also stood out since joining Minnesota this offseason, despite playing only about 40% of the defense’s snaps through the team’s first seven games.

Pierre has a 75.9 Pro Football Focus grade, 12th among 102 qualifying cornerbacks, and a 75.3 mark in coverage. He has allowed a 23.6 passer rating when targeted. In 173 defensive snaps, he has made 23 tackles, defended four passes and intercepted two, including one against Detroit in the Vikings’ 19-15 loss.

Expanding Pierre’s role is complicated by the players ahead of him. Byron Murphy Jr. has played nearly 91% of the defensive snaps and has three interceptions. Rodgers has played about 88% and owns an 85.8 PFF grade, the third-highest among cornerbacks. Rodgers’ ankle sprain could open the door to more work for Pierre in the upcoming game against Buffalo.

Pierre’s production on a $2.985 million cap hit makes him an inexpensive option for Minnesota. More playing time could also help the team assess whether he could fill a larger role if Rodgers leaves in March as an unrestricted free agent.