The NFC North could have a cornerback carousel in the aftermath of the Green Bay Packers' release of All-Pro Jaire Alexander.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Alexander was released on Monday, June 9, after seven seasons with the team. He will hit the open market as a coveted free agent, and among potential suitors is the Minnesota Vikings.
While the Vikings are considered a landing spot for Alexander, a former Vikings cornerback could see himself replace Alexander in Green Bay.
Former Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23)
Former Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23)
© Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
In the aftermath of the Alexander news, CBS Sports' Tyler Sullivan suggested that the Packers could sign former 2019 Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore.
"One free agent possibility that could make sense is veteran Stephon Gilmore, who remains on the open market," Sullivan wrote. "The former NFL Defensive Player of the Year is entering his age-35 season, but is still a capable complementary piece to a cornerback room. For the Minnesota Vikings last season, he did give up a career-high 94.1 passer rating, but did hold opposing quarterbacks to a 61.9 completion percentage and broke up nine passes through 15 games."
Despite his All-Pro years being in the rearview, Gilmore has proved he can be a capable starting cornerback well into his 30s.
He played 904 defensive snaps for the Vikings last year after previously surpassing 1,000 snaps with the Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts in 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro is still capable of playing significant time at outside corner or could be a depth piece at this stage of his career.