As the NFL season crosses the June 1 threshold, the Minnesota Vikings are poised to make waves in the free agent and trade markets, potentially targeting a blockbuster acquisition from their NFC North rivals, the Green Bay Packers. With the post-June 1 period eliminating compensatory pick penalties for signing free agents and offering financial flexibility for teams looking to offload contracts, the Vikings are in prime position to bolster their roster further.
Minnesota has already made headlines this offseason, investing a staggering $300 million in free agents to construct a formidable NFL juggernaut. However, the Vikings’ front office shows no signs of slowing down, with speculation swirling about a potential move for Green Bay Packers’ star cornerback Jaire Alexander.
Jaire Alexander: A Divisional Rival’s Star in Play
Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports recently highlighted Alexander as a prime candidate for a post-June 1 cut or trade. Despite the Packers offering a restructured contract, the Pro Bowl cornerback’s future in Green Bay remains uncertain. If Alexander rejects a pay cut, the Packers could save $17 million by cutting or trading him, a significant increase from the $9.5 million in savings before June 1. While a trade to a divisional rival like Minnesota seems unlikely, a release could open the door for the Vikings to swoop in and sign the elite defender.
Alexander, a seven-year veteran, has been a thorn in the Vikings’ side, amassing 287 tackles, 70 pass deflections, and 12 interceptions in 78 career games. A two-time Pro Bowler and AP second-team All-Pro in 2020 and 2022, Alexander is one of the NFL’s premier cover men when healthy. However, his injury history—missing 28 games since 2021—raises concerns about his durability.
Why Alexander Fits in Minnesota
The Vikings’ defense struggled mightily against the pass last season, ranking 28th in the NFL by allowing 242 yards per game. Significant changes followed, with safety Cam Bynum signing with the Indianapolis Colts in free agency and veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore remaining unsigned. To address the secondary, Minnesota added Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah to join Byron Murphy Jr. and Mekhi Blackmon at cornerback. Surprisingly, the team did not draft a cornerback in the 2025 NFL Draft, fueling speculation that they are eyeing a high-profile free agent like Alexander.
Under defensive coordinator Brian Flores, the Vikings employ a scheme that values versatile and physical defensive backs, making Alexander an ideal fit. His ability to lock down receivers and disrupt passing games could transform Minnesota’s secondary into a strength. However, his injury history will require careful consideration as the Vikings weigh the risks and rewards.
A Bold Move for a Super Bowl Push
With the Vikings aggressively building a championship-caliber roster, adding a player of Alexander’s caliber could be the final piece in their defensive puzzle. Whether through a trade—if Green Bay’s negotiations falter—or a free-agent signing following a release, Minnesota’s interest in Alexander signals their intent to dominate the NFC North and beyond.
As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on the Vikings’ next move. Could they pull off a stunning coup by landing a star from their fiercest rival? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Minnesota is not done reshaping their roster for a Super Bowl run in 2025.