More than 50 years ago, a coach from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers joined the Vikings. Now, a player from that Canadian Football League team is doing the same.

That coach, of course, was Bud Grant, who took over the Vikings in 1967 and led the team to four Super Bowls. And that player, cornerback Marcus Sayles, knows all about about Grant.

“Yes, I do,” Sayles said. “They’ve got his name up there in the stadium (in Winnipeg) and they’ve got his statue right out in front.”

After playing the past two seasons with the Blue Bombers, Sayles recently signed a reserve/future deal with Minnesota. He hopes to become another former CFL standout to make a dent with the Vikings.

Grant, defensive end Jim Marshall and quarterback Joe Kapp are the most notable Vikings with CFL experience. More recently, defensive tackle Tom Johnson, who played for the Vikings from 2014-18, and receiver Brandon Zylstra, with them in 2018, came here after playing in Canada.

“There’s a lot of talent in the CFL,” said Sayles, a West Division all-star in 2019 after producing 64 tackles, three interceptions and two defensive touchdowns. “People think the CFL has less athletic players, but there’s definitely a lot of talent that can play.”

The Vikings hope to see that from Sayles, 25, when spring drills begin in April. He is optimistic he can make the team as a nickel back and special teams ace.

Sayles impressed the Vikings in a Dec. 13 workout. After going through workouts that month with Cincinnati, Miami, New England and the New York Jets, he signed with the Vikings on Jan. 3.

“I didn’t want to be in a situation where I was going to be just another body in camp, and that wasn’t the feeling that I got from (the Vikings),” Sayles said. “They made it seem like I was going to really be able to compete to make the team.”

Sales, who is 5-foot-10, 175 pounds, was undrafted coming out of Division II West Georgia in 2017. That year, he spent time on the practice squads of Buffalo and the Los Angeles Rams before heading to Canada.

“I feel I’ve gotten a huge skill set boost,” he of playing in the CFL. “I think these last two years have made me more suitable to play the nickel position in the NFL, and I feel I had a lot of success in the CFL.”

The Vikings could use help at nickel cornerback. Mackensie Alexander, their top nickel back, is an impending free agent who might not be back. Mike Hughes can play the position, but he might be needed next season at outside cornerback.

With injuries to Alexander and Hughes in the playoffs, the Vikings had to turn to safety Andrew Sendejo to play nickel for the first time in his 10-year pro career. Sendejo is bound for free agency. So is safety Jayron Kearse, who also has experience playing the nickel.

“I believe right now Marcus will make the Vikings roster,” said Damon Talbot, owner of the website NFLDraftDiamonds.com. “I would be shocked if he doesn’t make it.” Related Articles The Loop NFL Picks: Week 2

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Talbot’s site specializes in small-college players. Talbot has been high on Sayles since he had 12 interceptions at West Georgia and was a special teams ace. He also blocked a school-record 13 kicks.

Talbot is impressed by Sayles’ athletic ability. He has run the 40-yard dash in 4.43 seconds and has a 42-inch vertical leap.

“What don’t I like about him?” Talbot said. “I’m a huge fan of Marcus Sayles. I’ve broken down tons of film on him over the years. The thing that sticks out the most is his special teams ability. His athletic ability is off the charts. He can cover a speed guy (in the nickel). He’s fast. And he’s physical enough that he can play a bigger receiver.”

Talbot agreed that Sayles improved significantly during his two seasons in the CFL. Sayles believes he now has what it takes to stick in the NFL.

“The transition back to the NFL is going to be way easier,” he said. “I’m way more adjusted to when I came out of college the first time.”