Mackensie Alexander return to Vikings signals the end for Mike Hughes
By Dean Jones
Is Mackensie Alexander a better option?
If Mackensie Alexander can get back to the form of 2019 upon his return to familiar surroundings, then this represents a huge upgrade on Mike Hughes. He is far more reliable from a health perspective and even though there were reports claiming the player didn’t want to be seen a merely a slot cornerback, this is undoubtedly his best position.
Alexander will know that more than anybody. His familiarity with the set-up in Minnesota and the scheme run by Mike Zimmer should make for the easiest of transitions, even though the roster looks much different from the last time he was around.
This is the second ex-Vikings player to make a return on defense this offseason. Stephen Weatherly was also brought back after his release by the Carolina Panthers, where he failed to make a starting role his own and will now revert back to his rotational status that proved so fruitful in Minnesota.
Considering how cheap Alexander was, it was a no-brainer and pretty much dispels the myth of Zimmer’s culture being a problem where the Vikings are concerned. There are still a couple of holes that need to be filled across the roster, but with a bounty of NFL Draft picks in 2021, things look more promising than anyone expected.
As for Hughes, if the corner is cut loose he can have no complaints. Had injuries not taken their toll, things might have been different, but considering what is at stake for Zimmer and the Minnesota Vikings next season waiting around on the off chance things get better is not an option.