Hot Shot Defender May Not Be Available to Vikings
For a couple of months, some Minnesota Vikings fans have daydreamed about Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander as a possible chef’s kiss to the offseason.
Hot Shot Defender May Not Be Available to Vikings
Alexander battled injuries last year, and even when he neared full health, Green Bay seemed in no rush to put him on the field. So, when the offseason arrived, many, including Packers fans, believed Alexander would be traded or released.
Theoretically, the Vikings could pounce on the two-time Pro Bowler if so.
But according to ESPN, Alexander is closing in on a kumbaya with his employer.
Jaire Alexander, Packers Near Contract Resolution
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote Wednesday, “The Packers passing on cornerback for the first six rounds seems to signify that Jaire Alexander is staying with the team, barring a unique trade offer or a contractual stalemate.”
“The Packers and Alexander are working on a resolution that should materialize soon. A revised contract for Alexander, due $17.5 million in cash this year, to balance his injury history with his longtime status as an elite corner might be the most sensible play.”
If cheese fans want Alexander back — some do, some don’t — that’s the most positive update of the offseason, implying a divorce may be avoidable.
A Target in the Vikings Rumor Mill
At least once per offseason, a Green Bay player defects from Wisconsin, turns purple, and Vikings fans rejoice. It’s just how it goes.
This go-round, linebacker Eric Wilson did the deed, though his turncoat mission was a bit watered down because he played in Minnesota for four years. Otherwise, men like Brett Favre, Greg Jennings, Ryan Longwell, Za’Darius Smith, and Aaron Jones have paved the way for defections.
Then, when Alexander appeared to be on the edge of a split from Green Bay, Vikings faithful thought, “Why not us?”
It’s worth noting that before the Alexander rumor mill sprouted, Minnesotans tended to despise Alexander.
CB as a Weak Spot for Minnesota?
Whether Minnesota needs another cornerback is debatable.
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah signed Super Bowl champion Isaiah Rodgers in March, and that speedster is on tap to start if the regular season started today. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores reportedly pounded the table for Rodgers, and he’s good enough for Flores, well, who’s to disagree?
Meanwhile, third-year corner Mekhi Blackmon will be back from a torn ACL that ruined his 2024 campaign, hopeful reclamation cornerback Jeff Okudah is on the roster, and some have big plans for Dwight McGlothern, a keynote undrafted free agent from the 2024 class.
If Alexander found his way to the Twin Cities, though, he’d instantly command the CB1 or CB2 job.
Jaire Alexander Alternatives, if Needed
Suppose Fowler’s reporting is accurate, and Alexander is off the board. Minnesota could pursue a free agent like Jack Jones, Rasul Douglas — another former Packer — or Mike Hilton. Those three live on the open market and would aid Flores’ secondary.
Fringe trade theories for players like Sauce Gardner and Greg Newsome II also twist in the team’s rumor mill.
Packers-Themed Media on Alexander
PackersWire‘s Zach Kruse wrote about the Alexander saga in Green Bay this week: “On the contract front, the Packers could want a revised deal that allows Alexander — who has missed at least 10 games in three of the last four seasons — to earn his full salary if he’s healthy and available in 2025 but protects the team in case the injuries continue.”
“The Packers and Alexander looked headed for an offseason divorce, but general manager Brian Gutekunst didn’t trade Alexander before or during the draft and then didn’t take a cornerback — Tulane’s Micah Robinson — until the seventh round.”
Alexander turned 28 this offseason.
Kruse added, “According to coach Matt LaFleur, Alexander participated during the virtual start to the offseason program but wasn’t available for in-person activities last week. The two sides are likely protecting against injury until a resolution is reached.”
“With Alexander on the team, the Packers could be strong and deep at cornerback, especially considering Keisean Nixon’s improvement as an inside-out option and the addition of Nate Hobbs in free agency, plus the potential progression of recent draft picks such as Carrington Valentine, safety-slot Javon Bullard, Kalen King and Kamal Hadden. The dynamic at cornerback would look much different if Alexander — a true No. 1 corner — doesn’t return.”
Vikings’ organized team activities (OTAs) get underway in less than one month.
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