Trae Waynes' 5th-Year Contract Option Exercised by Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings announced they have picked up cornerback Trae Waynes' fifth-year contract option on his rookie deal on Monday.  

As he enters his fourth season out of Michigan State, the former first-round pick's numbers have only improved with each passing season as he has gotten more involved on defense.

In 2017, Waynes recorded 65 combined tackles, two interceptions, 11 passes defended and his first career sack. He had a career-high three interceptions in 2016.

According to Pro Football Focus, he was one of the toughest defensive backs in man coverage last year:

The 25-year-old Waynes has proved to be durable early on in his career. He has played in all but two games, including the postseason, through his first three seasons. Consistency in the secondary cannot be understated, as communication lapses can be costly.

Minnesota's defense gave up just 192.4 passing yards game last season, second only to the Jacksonville Jaguars. With Waynes now in the fold for at least two more seasons, the Vikings will look to build on a season that saw them reach the NFC Championship game.