Minnesota Vikings: Top 5 priorities for the 2018 offseason

Figure out who will play nickel corner

After 15 seasons in the NFL, it seems more than likely that 39-year-old cornerback Terence Newman will retire this offseason. Newman has spent the past three years with the Vikings and his presence has been an important part in the transformation of the team’s defense since Mike Zimmer was hired as Minnesota’s head coach in 2014.

Last season, the veteran spent the majority of his time as the Vikings’ nickel corner. Newman would cover the opposing offensive player who lined up in the slot while fellow Minnesota corners Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes would defend the receivers on the outside.

If Newman actually does decide to hang it up this offseason, who will takeover his role in the slot next year?

Would Mackensie Alexander be the guy? Alexander also spent some time in 2017 covering opposing receivers in the slot and he flashed some signs that he could be the Vikings’ permanent nickel corner for the next few seasons.

This would likely be the route Minnesota would prefer to take when searching for Newman’s replacement this offseason. But the team could also add another veteran corner to the roster through free agency this year if they don’t feel Alexander is ready for a full-time role just yet.