SHOCKING Move by Vikings GM! $11 Million 1st-Round Sensation’s Future in Jeopardy

As the Minnesota Vikings gear up for the 2024 season, questions loom over the security of safety Lewis Cine’s position on the team. Drafted as the first pick under the leadership of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Cine’s performance has fallen short of expectations. His rookie year was marred by a lower leg fracture in the third week of the 2022 season, sidelining him. Despite being physically unencumbered since participating in spring OTAs and minicamps last year, Cine has yet to solidify his presence on the field.

Under the coaching of Brian Flores, the Vikings employed a defensive strategy that featured three safeties in varying positions. However, Cine found himself eclipsed by five other players in terms of playing time at the safety position. Even with a four-year, $11.4 million contract, Cine’s impact was limited, being a healthy scratch for 8 out of 17 games this season. His defensive snaps amounted to a mere eight, all of which occurred during a decisive Week 16 defeat to the Green Bay Packers.

The scrutiny extends beyond Cine to the broader evaluation of Adofo-Mensah’s inaugural draft class, notably including second-round cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. The lack of significant returns on these top picks has raised eyebrows. Adofo-Mensah addressed concerns during an end-of-year news conference, highlighting the challenges faced by both Cine and Booth in adapting to a new defensive scheme under Flores.

While expressing continued faith in the developmental process, Adofo-Mensah acknowledged the harsh reality of the NFL—a results-driven business. He emphasized the team’s commitment to providing resources for player development but also stressed the uncertainty surrounding the future of Cine and Booth with the Vikings. As Adofo-Mensah aptly put it, their stories are still unwritten, and the coming season will ultimately determine where they stand within the team’s plans.