In 2019, the Vikings cornerback unit was not perfect. Trae Waynes was inconsistent and, ultimately, Minnesota let him walk in free agency. Xavier Rhodes did not look like his old self and he, too, signed elsewhere in free agency.
Mackensie Alexander was arguably the best cornerback on that defense. Alexander was a reliable tackler in the slot and finished 2019 with an overall PFF grade of 65.7, which is a better PFF grade than every 2020 Vikings cornerback besides Cameron Dantzler and Harrison Hand this season.
Alexander signed a one-year deal with the Bengals for 2020. Now that’s he’s a free agent, could a reunion with his former team be on the horizon?
As reported by Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune, the Vikings have an offer on the table for their old cornerback.
Alexander coming back to the Vikings on a cheap deal would really boost the outlook of the cornerback unit. Cameron Dantzler is probably the team’s best option out wide. If Alexander came to the team and played in the slot, all Minnesota would have to do is find another serviceable cornerback to pair out wide with Dantzler. Alexander can also play out wide if need be if Minnesota wants to put Jeff Gladney in the slot full time.
Then, with Dantzler and Alexander, the unit could be decent. Gladney, Harrison Hand or maybe even a rookie or a low-cost free agent are all options for another corner spot. However, right now all Minnesota has is an offer on the table for Alexander. It’d be good for the team if he agreed to it and came back.
