Veteran cornerback Bashaud Breeland was released by the Vikings on Saturday, two days before Minnesota's Monday night showdown in Chicago against the Bears. Breeland was released after he got into a verbal altercation with coaches and some of his teammates, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport.
According to Pro Football Network's Tony Pauline, Breelend also initiated physical altercations with running back Dalvin Cook, defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson, and ultimately GM Rick Spielman, who had stepped in to calm the situation.
"Wow," Breeland wrote on Twitter shortly after the news broke of his release from the Vikings. He later posted a second message expressing his appreciation for the Vikings. "No hard feelings no love lost," Breeland wrote.
The 29-year-old defensive back was signed by the Vikings this offseason. A starter on the Chiefs' Super Bowl LIV championship team, Breeland picked off two passes and forced two fumbles this season. He also recorded 63 tackles with five breakups while starting in each of Minnesota's first 13 games.
Kris Boyd will likely fill Breeland's spot in the Vikings' starting lineup. A seventh-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Boyd has made 20 tackles while recovering a fumble in 12 games this season. In 38 regular-season games, Boyd -- who started five games during the 2020 season -- has 76 tackles, one forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and three passes defended.
Along with starter Patrick Peterson, the Vikings' depth chart also includes cornerbacks Cameron Dantzler, Harrison Hand and Mackensie Alexander. Dantzler has 25 tackles and one interception this season, while Hand has recorded four tackles in limited work. Alexander, a veteran who has spent five of his six NFL seasons in Minnesota, has recorded 30 tackles and four pass breakups in 13 games.
While the Vikings will try to make do without him, Breeland will likely begin to field offers from other teams over the next several days.
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