The Minnesota Vikings are gearing up for the 2024 NFL season, and a once-promising rookie would love to have an expanded role. As Brian Flores looks to continue developing his defense, Brian Asamoah might force his way back in.
Could Brian Asamoah force his way back into Minnesota Vikings starting lineup?
As a rookie it seemed like Brian Asamoah was on a trajectory to stand out. The the Minnesota Vikings agreed to terms with undrafted rookie Ivan Pace Jr. By the end of last season Pace had become a leader on the defense.
This season Pace will done the green dot for Flores. Asamoah hasn’t had much of a path towards playing time, but that may change. The Athletic’s Alec Lewis is suggesting that’s a storyline to watch during training came.
Brian Asamoah II , a third-round pick of the Vikings in 2022, only played 36 defensive snaps last year. He missed time in training camp and never fully returned to the lineup. Ivan Pace Jr. ’s emergence factored into the team’s decision, but Asamoah was also navigating foot and shoulder injuries.
Asamoah said this week that he underwent surgery in January to repair his labrum tear. He had played through the injury, mostly on special teams. Pace and Blake Cashman have taken most of the first-team defensive snaps with the first-team, but Asamoah has had a Bullet Bill vibe to him this week.
Alec Lewis on Brian Asamoah earning a role
Breaking the starting 11 won’t be easy…
The Minnesota Vikings spent on Minnesota-native Blake Cashman this offseason. He is going to start alongside Pace. That said, Asamoah pushing his way back in wouldn’t be crazy. Remember, this time last year, Asamoah was expected to blossom into a legitimate starting backer.
Related: Demon Time: No. 0 Hits Different on Ivan Pace Jr
As a rookie, the former Oklahoma Sooner played in all 16 games , but recorded just 17 tackles while nursing a season-long injury. Asamoah was on the field for just 11% of the Vikings’ defensive snaps ion 2023. He was able to force and recover a fumble.
Even if Asamoah doesn’t overtake Pace or Cashman at any point this year, having a high quality backup would be great. The injuries are now in the rearview mirror, and that could make him better than ever. Minnesota would love to see Asamoah turn his trajectory on its head, and that could take place in 2024.
More must-reads:
Local Minneapolis, MN
Most Popular
Comments / 0