The Green Bay Packers seem ready to search for a new No. 1 cornerback. At the NFL Scouting Combine, general manager Brian Gutekunst was vague about Jaire Alexander’s future, and ESPN’s Rob Demovsky confirmed that the Packers have been in talks with other teams regarding a trade involving Alexander. If a deal goes through, the Packers will be without a top-tier cornerback in a division packed with talented wide receivers.
The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman has a suggestion for Green Bay, though it may not sit well with Minnesota Vikings fans. Schneidman proposed that the Packers should target cornerbacks in free agency, with Vikings Pro Bowl corner Byron Murphy Jr. as a top option.
“Some intriguing free-agent options at the position could push Nixon to No. 2 outside corner, which might be best for the Packers. Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy, a Pro Bowl starter in 2024, is likely the top option,” Schneidman wrote on March 5.
Byron Murphy Jr
Murphy led all cornerbacks with six interceptions last season and has totaled nine picks in two years with the Vikings. As a key player in the Vikings’ secondary, he’s exceptional both in the slot and on the outside. However, keeping Murphy in Minnesota could be expensive.
At 27 years old, Murphy is set to enter free agency, and the Vikings have yet to reach an agreement with the 2019 second-round pick. Pro Football Focus (PFF) predicts Murphy could secure a three-year, $52 million contract, averaging $17.3 million per year.
Alexander, with a hefty $24.9 million cap hit for the 2025 season, could be traded, making the addition of Murphy a smart move for Green Bay. The Packers could gain valuable draft picks and acquire a reliable No. 1 cornerback. While Keisean Nixon is a competitive player, pairing him with Murphy would give Green Bay more flexibility and strength in the secondary.
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