Assessing Mackensie Alexander’s value ahead of free agency

What’s next for the Vikings if Alexander departs?

The prospect of the Vikings starting the 2020 season with a re-formed cornerback team are highly likely.

Xavier Rhodes is set to be released and it appears unlikely Trae Waynes will be getting a new deal. If Mackensie Alexander leaves too that will only leave the team with the injury-prone Mike Hughes and the inexperienced Holton Hill as Minnesota’s remaining options.

In a do-or-die season for head coach Mike Zimmer heading into a contract year, losing Alexander would be nothing short of a disaster. Zimmer could not depend on much at cornerback last season, but he knew what he was getting out of No. 20.

Any potential departure for Alexander would leave the Vikings searching for a similar player that can operate in both corner positions either in free agency or the NFL Draft. Given their current financial constraints, one would think that an incoming college prospect might be the more wise way to go.

Someone like former Alabama corner Trevon Diggs, who has all the athleticism needed to fill the void and it would see him join up with his brother, Stefon Diggs, if Minnesota goes in this direction.

High-quality cornerbacks in free agency do not come cheap and if the Vikings are able to free up the necessary funds for someone from the position this offseason, then it should be Alexander. He knows the system, he has thrived under Zimmer, and he has all the tools to progress further with more experience.

This is going to be yet another pivotal decision for the Minnesota front office and one they must get right.