The Green Bay Packers appear poised to search for a new No. 1 cornerback. At the NFL Scouting Combine, general manager Brian Gutekunst was “non-committal” to Jaire Alexander.
ESPN’s Rob Demovsky confirmed that the Packers have spoken to teams about a trade involving Alexander.
If and when that trade happens, the Packers will be without an alpha cornerback in one of the most wide receiver-rich divisions in the NFL.
The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman has a remedy, to the chagrin of many Minnesota Vikings fans. Taking inventory of the Packers’ offseason needs, Schneidman suggested Green Bay should shop in the cornerback free-agent market, which includes Vikings Pro Bowl corner Byron Murphy Jr. at the top of the group.
“Some intriguing options in free agency 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,” Scheidman wrote on March 5. Murphy led all cornerbacks with six interceptions last season and has nine picks across two years in Minnesota.
The centerpiece of the Vikings’ secondary, Murphy is exceptional in both the slot and along the boundary.
Packers Honor Mason Crosby With Powerful 8-Word Tribute For that reason, he’s proving costly to keep for the Vikings. At 27 years old, Murphy is poised to reach free agency as Minnesota has yet to strike a deal with the 2019 second-round pick.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) has projected Murphy to secure a three-year, $52 million contract worth $17.3 million a year.
Alexander carries a $24.9 million cap hit for the 2025 season, which would make the signing of Murphy a shrewd move for Green Bay, which could accumulate some draft capital and find a more dependable No. 1 corner.
While the ultra-competitive Keisean Nixon is up to any challenge, pairing him with Murphy would offer Green Bay more versatility on the back end.