The Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings have had two very different off-seasons. The Packers are looking to build on their extremely promising 2023 campaign by further solidifying themselves as championship contender.
The Vikings chose not to re-sign Kirk Cousins and instead went with JJ McCarthy as the new leader of their franchise.
However, reports are suggesting the Packers could poach a 24-year-old starter from their division rival.
The Green Bay Packers Set To Trade For Minnesota Vikings Cornerback?
According to Ryan Heckman of FanSided:
First off, the Packers should absolutely be eyeing help at cornerback. We’ve talked about it here at Lombardi Ave recently. Green Bay shouldn’t feel 100 percent confident in Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes, at least in terms of their injury history.
Carrington Valentine and Corey Ballentine are fine depth, but neither one would be guys you’d want starting for an extended period of time. At the very least, giving those two some competition would be a good move.
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Akayleb Evans might wind up being fourth or fifth on the depth chart when training camp is all said and done, yet he started 15 games in 2023. At 6-foot-2, he brings excellent size to the position and still has a couple years left on his rookie deal. Talented depth is the name of the game here, and Evans would bring the Packers just that.
The Packers Could Definitely Add Another Cornerback
That leaves the Packers with a cornerback group that includes Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, Corey Ballentine and King.
“We’ve got a lot of players that we’re confident in, in terms of going out there and playing at a high level,” LaFleur said.
There are plenty of questions, though.
Alexander, the NFL’s highest paid cornerback, was a problem on and off the field last year. Alexander played in just seven games due to back and shoulder injuries and was remarkably inconsistent when he did play. Alexander was also suspended one game for conduct detrimental to the team. That being said, he is going into the 2024 season with a ton of expectations under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.
Eric Stokes looks like he may in his best (and healthiest) shape of his career. There is certainly hope that he will be able to lock up the cornerback position opposite of Alexander.
However, proven depth is lacking behind those two and adding additional experience could be massive.
