Vikings Rumors: Jaire Alexander to Vikings, Signing Another Safety, Daniel Jones Steam
It’s time for the second batch of Minnesota Vikings rumors of the week, with mandatory minicamp in Eagan just around the bend.
In our second batch of the Vikings rumors of the week, we lift up some Jalen Ramsey fodder, as well as an extra safety and Daniel Jones’ 2025 outlook.
You can read the first batch here.
The Vikings rumor mill has popped off this week — per usual — and here’s the latest.
Rumor: The Vikings are still in the mix for cornerback Jaire Alexander.
There hasn’t been much action on the Jaire Alexander front in Green Bay, and some believe he’ll still depart the Packers.
CBS Sports‘ Cody Benjamin believes the Vikings are still in play for Alexander’s services.
He wrote this week, “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 and Packers probably won’t do trade business — they rarely swap players — but if Alexander is released, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah could, indeed, pursue Alexander.
Rumor: Minnesota should sign veteran safety John Johnson.
Safety John Johnson also pranced into the Vikings’ rumor mill this week, courtesy of Bleacher Report‘s Moe Moton. He theorized one player per team that would make sense as a fit, and Johnson was that guy for the Vikings.
Moton explained, “At safety, the Vikings have Harrison Smith and Josh Metellus in starting spots and not much behind them. Fourth-year veteran Theo Jackson and third-year pro Jay Ward have played 285 career defensive snaps combined.”
“Johnson has experience at both safety positions, and he can also take on assignments in the slot. Last September, he suffered a hairline fracture in his scapula. Now healthy, the 29-year-old can fill multiple roles.”
If the Vikings don’t pursue the extra safety angle, they already have Harrison Smith, Josh Metellus, Theo Jackson, and Jay Ward lined up for 2025.
Rumor: With Anthony Richardson’s injury, former Vikings quarterback Daniel Jones is in the driver’s seat to win the QB1 job for the Colts.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell nailed this one.
He wrote before Richardson got hurt this week: “For whatever benefits playing in Minnesota brings, it’s inarguable that Jones has a clearer path to getting on the field in Indianapolis. While the Vikings clearly prioritized McCarthy in last year’s draft before a season-ending meniscus injury — in case you forgot, he was battling with Darnold to be the starter — the Colts hardly seem thrilled with 2023 No. 4 pick Anthony Richardson.”
“There are reasons to be optimistic about Jones. He was miscast as a $40 million quarterback in New York, but he can be an accurate passer in rhythm and should be able to handle Steichen’s RPO calls. Running back Jonathan Taylor finished the season strong, racking up 627 rushing yards and six scores over the final four games.”
A couple of days later, the Colts put Richardson on the shelf indefinitely with a shoulder injury.
“And the Colts added tight end Tyler Warren to a group of pass catchers who get open more often than their numbers suggest. Whether through injury or benching, it seems likely Richardson will give way to Jones at some point this season. Jones will have to stay healthy and consistent to keep that opportunity,” Barnwell added.
That some point is already here. Jones has a leg up in the QB1 battle with Richardson sadly injured.
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