The Vikings’ cornerback unit was rising and falling in 2020.
Corners Cameron Dantzler and Jeff Gladney were defeated at the beginning, before the two found their place in the championship. Mike Hughes dealt with injuries once again. And Holton Hill was released from the wounded reserve.
Despite the struggles, the cornerback team has something to rely on for the next few seasons. Vikings have younger players who come from promising seasons. The team also added veterans at liberty to help solidify the unit.
Mackensie Alexander is one of those veterans. Per Alexandre’s agent and Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Vikings are reuniting with their old nickel corner.
I think this business is a big move for both parties. Alexander can play the role of a nickel cornerback for a team that sometimes lacked corner depth in 2020. He knows the Vikings’ scheme, is a solid defender and has decent coverage. Not only that, but Minnesota is also expected to hire him with the veteran minimum plus a signing bonus, by Courtney Cronin of ESPN.
I think Gladney can still compete for points, but as it stands, I think Patrick Peterson and Dantzler are the two wide corners and Alexander is the nickel corner. Minnesota improved its cornerback unit this offseason and the team did not have to give up doing so.
Grade A-