Dec 9, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mackensie Alexander. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports.
The Minnesota Vikings come into 2022 with plenty of questions at the cornerback position. Patrick Peterson is an established veteran, and the rest of the unit is working to establish themselves. Today, a former member of the group landed with the Miami Dolphins.
According to a report, former Vikings corner Mackensie Alexander has signed with the Miami Dolphins. Needing Tua Tagovailoa to take a substantial step forward, the Dolphins acquired speedy wide receiver Tyreek Hill for the upcoming season. The AFC East will go through Buffalo and Josh Allen again, but the Dolphins could make noise as the division’s second-best team.
Alexander was drafted 5th overall by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2016 National Football League draft. Obviously, he was taken by a regime spearheaded under general manager Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer. Playing in 55 games and drawing ten starts for the Vikings, Alexander established himself in league with Minnesota.
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After a year away, signing with the Cincinnati Bengals, Alexander returned to the Vikings last season. He played in sixteen games and drew five starts. While Zimmer rotated corners looking for answers, Alexander was swept up in the revolving door alongside Bashaud Breeland and Cameron Dantzler. Unfortunately, he never did anything to set himself apart and wasn’t seen as an answer even for the depleted group this year.
For his career, Alexander has two interceptions and 32 passes defended. At times he looked like a breakout candidate, but that ability never came to fruition. The hope for Miami would be that they have some veteran depth that may be able to provide some additional impact.
Former Vikings corners have been in the news a decent amount this offseason. Following injury-plagued seasons of late, Trae Waynes has all but announced his retirement from the National Football League. Xavier Rhodes is also a free agent after having spent the past two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.