Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL season, the NFC North division once again looks to be the best in football. All four teams in the division will have a shot at making a run to the playoffs. Last year, the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and Green Bay Packers all made it to the postseason.
Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings are going to be an intriguing team to watch this year. They no longer have Sam Darnold under center, with second-year signal caller J.J. McCarthy set to take over the reigns at quarterback.
There are also some questions marks on the defensive side of the football, especially at the cornerback position.
Stephon Gilmore was a huge part of Brian Flores’ defense in 2024. However, he is still a free agent it at this point there is no reason to think Minnesota is going to bring him back.
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If the Vikings were planning to bring Gilmore back, it seems likely that they would have done so already.
Minnesota should look into options to beef up its secondary. One possible option could be pursuing a trade with the arch-rival Packers. It would be a major shock, but it has been suggested by one NFL analyst.
Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports has suggested Minnesota as one of the possible trade destinations for Green Bay star cornerback Jaire Alexander. While he thinks Alexander will remain with the Packers when all is said and done, he name-dropped the Vikings as a possible landing spot.
Alexander has been unable to stay on the field over the last two years. In both the 2023 and 2024 campaigns, he has played in just seven games.
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Despite that fact, the 28-year-old cornerback was very productive in seven games last season. He recorded 16 tackles, a fumble recovery, two interceptions, a defensive touchdown, and seven defended passes.
More than likely, this possible option will not become a reality. Alexander would be a big step towards Super Bowl contention for Minnesota, but Green Bay seems ready to keep him. Even if the Packers were to trade him, would they really send him to the Vikings?
Other possible options could include Jalen Ramsey or simply re-signing Gilmore. Either way, it would be best for the defense to add another proven cornerback for the upcoming 2025 season.
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