In the 2020 season, the Vikings had a big group of injured players, leading to a disastrous defensive output, despite still employing defensive mastermind Mike Zimmer. Additionally, many longtime staples of the defense left in free agency, including edge rusher Everson Griffen, defensive tackle Linval Joseph and the trio of cornerbacks Xavier Rhodes, Mackensie Alexander, and Trae Waynes.
Danielle Hunter, free agent signing Michael Pierce, and Anthony Barr played a combined two games in that season. All that led to significant opportunities for some backups like Armon Watts and Ifeadi Odenigbo and for rookies. D.J. Wonnum, Cameron Dantzler, and Jeff Gladney all were forced to play prominent roles.