Vikings Could Still Land Packers Pro Bowler
Minnesota Vikings fans have used the last month to debate whether the team needs one more starting cornerback.
The rumor mill hasn’t quite died for one Green Bay Packers defender and the Vikings.
It’s a spicy topic because aside from cornerback, the Vikings’ roster is in absolutely phenomenal shape, possibly possessing its most talent since the 2009 campaign.
So when the Jaire Alexander rumor mill reignited this week, some believed the Vikings could snag the two-time Green Bay Packers Pro Bowler.
Vikings Connected to Jaire Alexander in Rumor Mill
CBS Sports Cody Benjamin sized up landing spots for Alexander now that June 1st is in the rearview. If Green Bay wishes to trade or release Alexander, it’s now financially easier due to the NFL’s salary cap rules.
And the Vikings made the cut as a landing spot, according to Benjamin.
He wrote, “All offseason, the Green Bay Packers have publicly anticipated a breakup with Alexander, who’s simultaneously been one of the NFL’s best — and most injured — cover men. Both sides hinted at a split in free agency, either via trade or release. Now the Packers apparently have a new contract offer on the table, but if the Pro Bowler doesn’t bite at a pay cut, Green Bay could save $17 million by cutting or trading the cornerback after June 1.”
“That’s an increase of $9.5 million from prior to June 1. Potential landing spots: Commanders, Falcons, Raiders, Vikings. Prediction: Retained by Packers on restructured deal.”
The Vikings acquiring Alexander via trade is severely unlikely due to intradivisional trade norms, but a release could bring general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to Alexander’s doorstep.
A Long Theoretical Flirtation
Alexander only played seven games last season, and when he seemed to approach a clean bill of health, it really wasn’t an option for him to return to the Packers’ lineup. Something was fishy.
Then, the offseason rolled around, and some Vikings fans began to whisper that Alexander could play a starter’s role on Minnesota’s depth chart. This fringe theory has endured for approximately four months.
The CBS Sports tidbit does little to douse the fire.
Jaire Alexander as a Cake Topper to Vikings Offseason
If the regular season started tonight, Minnesota would probably start Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers as the primary cornerbacks, with contenders like Mekhi Blackmon, Jeff Okudah, and Dwight McGlothern not far from sniffing the CB2 spot.
Alexander, however, if signed by Minnesota, would instantly and emphatically seize the CB1 or CB2 job. He’s that good, and because he’s felt expendable from a Packers’ perspective, some have considered his would-be presence on the purple depth chart as an offseason cake topper.
It’s just that Green Bay and Minnesota virtually never do player trade business, meaning the man probably has to be released to fulfill the prophecy.
A Change of Pace for Public Enemy No. 1
Another item to consider: Alexander has been the most hated Packers player among Vikings fans for a few years. Many folks would have to totally change their tune on Alexander, which wouldn’t be too difficult.
He’s not quite as despised as Sean Payton, for example, but the situation might feel like Payton coming to Minnesota as an offensive coordinator. Fans would need a few minutes to process it.
The Latest on Alexander’s Status
Some recent momentum suggests that Alexander could stay in Green Bay despite the reported discontent.
Sportsnaut’s Matt Johnson wrote this week, “Green Bay shopped Alexander around the league throughout the offseason, at one point reportedly nearing a deal with another club. However, when the acquiring team asked Alexander to restructure his deal and he declined, the trade fell apart. Since the 2025 NFL Draft, the signs have increasingly pointed towards the All-Pro cornerback returning to Green Bay.”
“Multiple NFL insiders have indicated that a return is now the likeliest outcome, in part because a trade still hasn’t materialized. The organization has been frustrated with Alexander entirely due to his inability to stay on the field. In the last two seasons, he played just 14 total games and he started only 4 games in 2021.”
On the whole, it’s always been a bit strange that Green Bay wouldn’t want Alexander or vice versa. Perhaps he’ll just stay after a kumbaya.
Johnson added, “When healthy, though, Alexander has been a two-time All-Pro selection and one of the best cover corners in football. Green Bay did reportedly offer Alexander a restructured contract fairly recently, but there’s no word regarding his receptiveness to amending his deal right now. With both sides wanting to make things work in 2025, it would be a surprise if Alexander wasn’t playing for Green Bay this season.”
“Getting him back would be very significant for this Packers defense. It would allow Keisean Nixon to remain the No. 2 outside corner, a position he’s more well-suited to play. Alexander’s return would also shift free-agent signing Nate Hobbs into the slot, a position he thrived in with the Las Vegas Raiders.”
No matter where he lands, the Packers or a new team would get Alexander with a couple of seasons left of his prime. He turned 28 this offseason.
Vikings Could Have a Controversy Brewing
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