Colts' Xavier Rhodes Calls Vikings Release 'A Reality Check' After 7 NFL Seasons

Cornerback Xavier Rhodes signed with the Indianapolis Colts after the Minnesota Vikings released the three-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro following seven seasons.

In a videoconference call with Colts media on Monday, Rhodes said (h/t Stephen Holder of The Athletic) the release "was a reality check" and that "you have to prove yourself every day."

Rhodes, one of the game's best cornerbacks earlier in his career, struggled in 2019. Per Pro Football Reference, Rhodes allowed 81.5 percent of targets toward him to be completed.

The ex-Florida State star gave up 12.0 yards per completion, 9.8 yards per target and a 123.5 quarterback rating. He did not record an interception and defended six passes in 15 starts.

Still, the Colts could be getting a steal in Rhodes, who inked a one-year deal with Indianapolis. He had five interceptions in 2016 and made the NFL's All-Pro first team one season later.

If Rhodes can even come close to that old form, then the Indianapolis defense will look even more formidable after the unit added defensive tackle DeForest Buckner in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers.

For now, Rhodes will embark on a "fresh start," as he put it during the videoconference. He expects to play both zone and man coverages in 2020, per Joel A. Erickson of the Indianapolis Star.