The Vikings cornerback unit was up and down in 2020.
Corners Cameron Dantzler and Jeff Gladney were getting beaten early on, before the two found their stride in the league. Mike Hughes dealt with injuries yet again. And Holton Hill was waived from the injured reserve.
Despite the struggles, the cornerback corps has something to build off of for future seasons. The Vikings have younger players who are coming off promising seasons. The team also added veterans in free agency to help solidify the unit.
Mackensie Alexander is one of those veterans. Per Alexander’s agent and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Vikings are reuniting with their old nickel corner.
I think this deal is a great move for both parties. Alexander can play the nickel cornerback role for a team that lacked corner depth at times in 2020. He knows the Vikings’ scheme, he’s a solid tackler and he’s decent in coverage. Not only that, but Minnesota is also expected to sign him to the veteran minimum plus a signing bonus, per Courtney Cronin of ESPN.
I think Gladney can still compete for spots, but as it stands, I would guess that Patrick Peterson and Dantzler are the two corners out wide and Alexander is the nickel corner. Minnesota improved its cornerback unit this offseason and the team didn’t have to give up a ton to do so.
Grade: A-
