Jamarca

Sanford

Sanford “earned” the opportunity to start in 2011 after beating out Tyrell Johnson in camp, but he flopped in the secondary. Per ESPN 1500’s Tom Pelissero, Sanford allowed 20 of the 31 passes thrown at him to be completed (64.5 percent) for 344 yards and eight touchdowns. He also missed too many open-field tackles. Per Pelissero, Sanford “confirmed he’s just a special teamer.”

Smith is ready to displace 2011 starter Jamarca Sanford, who is now rotating with Mistral Raymond on the opposite side. Raymond has the early edge in that battle, with fifth-rounder Robert Blanton also factoring in the mix. Smith has worked at both strong and free safety in the Vikes’ largely interchangeable two-deep scheme.

When it rains it pours, as the Vikings are literally falling apart before our eyes tonight. Disappointing 2008 second round pick Tyrell Johnson replaces Sanford, and will be a liability if he is pressed into action next week.

Minnesota has had a different starter at strong safety each of the past three seasons, but Sanford is looking to put an end to the trend. He started 13 games last season and appears to have a stranglehold on the spot entering camp. Sanford re-upped with the Vikings on a two-year, $5 million deal in March, but he’s expected to face competition from Mistral Raymond and Robert Blanton.

After dislocating his ankle early on last season, Raymond lost his starting job to Jamarca Sanford. The two ended up sharing time late in the year and now Sanford is an unrestricted free agent. If he’s back, it will be as a core special teamer and depth behind Raymond.

A 14-game starter in 2012 -- including playoffs -- Sanford was a big upgrade on Mistral Raymond and appears to have solidified a starting role at strong safety, across from FS Harrison Smith. Sanford, 27, finished last year with 66 tackles and forced four fumbles. He has not shown ball skills through four NFL seasons.

He’s not expected to return. With Mistral Raymond (shoulder) inactive, Andrew Sendejo has replaced Sanford at strong safety.

Sanford left Sunday’s loss to the Browns with a hamstring injury and was limited in practice this week. He’ll be replaced by Andrew Sendejo in the starting lineup. The Vikings will also be without CB Chris Cook (groin) against the Steelers.

DT Lawrence Virgil was signed in a corresponding move. Sanford’s injury has not been disclosed, but he was sidelined for the entirety of last week’s minicamp. He could be released with an injury settlement later in the summer.

Sanford signed with the Saints in November and was in on 110 defensive snaps, making one start. He’ll compete for a backup and special teams job in camp.