The Minnesota Vikings led the NFL in interceptions last season by a wide margin, but they now face the daunting task of completely rebuilding their secondary this offseason. In 2024, the Vikings started five defensive backs in Brian Flores’ system—three cornerbacks and two safeties. However, all three cornerbacks and one safety are set to hit free agency in less than two weeks. Additionally, the team must restructure veteran safety Harrison Smith’s contract to avoid owing him $25 million in 2026 if they want to keep him for another year.
With only four draft picks in April—two in the fifth round and one late in the third—the Vikings will likely need to rely heavily on free agency or trades to rebuild their secondary, even if they use their No. 24 overall pick on a defensive back, as many analysts predict. One potential target is Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander, who has battled injuries over the past two seasons, missing 10 games each year. Despite his health issues, Alexander remains one of the league’s top cornerbacks when healthy, earning two All-Pro selections (2020, 2022) and playing on an $84 million contract.
With the Packers reportedly looking to move on from Alexander and the Vikings in need of a cornerback upgrade, CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin proposed a trade scenario that could benefit both teams. “Would the Packers prefer to deal their former star within the NFC North? Probably not,” Benjamin wrote. “But the Vikings have pulled this before, convincing the Detroit Lions to trade T.J. Hockenson. If Minnesota can’t retain key free agents like cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. and safety Camryn Bynum, they could pivot to Alexander, giving defensive coordinator Brian Flores a high-upside option.”
As the Vikings navigate this critical offseason, their ability to rebuild the secondary will be crucial to maintaining their defensive success in 2025.
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