Robert Blanton

Vikings do not see Robert Blanton as their safety of the future

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said the team is looking for the "right" guy to pair with safety Harrison Smith.

What It Means:

Robert Blanton and Andrew Sendejo spent time starting opposite Smith the last two seasons, but both are free agents and, apparently, not viewed as the answer. Antone Exum and Anthony Harris also got starts last season, but it appears the Vikings are looking for a big-time safety to pair with their young Pro Bowler. Already loaded with young talent, Minnesota's defense should be a force for the foreseeable future.

The Vikings ranked 13th in Adjusted Defensive Net Expected Points per play in 2015.