Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said this week that he expects more out of Xavier Rhodes in 2019 than the team got from him last season, and the star cornerback may have been irritated by the remarks.
While speaking with reporters at the NFL coaches breakfast on Tuesday, Zimmer said Rhodes needs to earn his hefty paycheck.
“I just don’t think he played as well as he can play,” Zimmer said, per Ben Goessling of The Star Tribune. “He needs to play up to his ability level. We’re paying him a lot of money. He needs to play up to that contract.”
Rhodes signed a $70 million extension prior to the 2017 season, and the $14 million average annual value of the deal makes him one of the highest-paid defensive backs in football. Zimmer said his technique was off a bit last season, though he battled some minor injuries and missed two games. Rhodes also had six accepted penalties against him in 14 games.
Perhaps Zimmer felt that Rhodes could have fought through the injuries more effectively. Whatever the case, the 29-year-old appeared to subtly respond to the criticism with his social media activity.
It does not appear #Vikings CB Xavier Rhodes is taking kindly to Mike Zimmer telling him he needs to play up to his contract, judging by his Twitter likes as of late. pic.twitter.com/1FYrba0gbA
— Anthony Broome (@anthonytbroome) March 28, 2019
There have been some issues between Vikings defensive backs and Zimmer in the past, and it would not be a surprise if Rhodes didn’t appreciate being called out publicly. Zimmer must think that will serve as motivation for him.
