Jaguars can sign these 4 free agents if Rick Spielman joins the front office

No. 1 Vikings free agent the Jaguars can sign – Mackensie Alexander.

The Jaguars found a pair of starting cornerbacks last season (three if you include Rudy Ford). First, they signed Shaquill Griffin in free agency and later selected Tyson Campbell 33rd overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. The team’s brass must’ve felt good about the pair because they trade Sidney Jones before the start of the season and later did the same with C.J. Henderson. On the other hand, Tre Herndon, who was supposed to start in the slot, dealt with an MCL injury most of the year and Ford took over.

While the Jags’ cornerback room looks solid ahead of free agency, Herndon and Nevin Lawson are expected to hit the open market. Also, injuries struck the unit the past two years, so the front office should err on the side of caution and add depth this offseason. Signing Mackensie Alexander wouldn’t be cost-prohibitive and would provide insurance to Jacksonville’s secondary.

A second-round selection by the Vikes in 2016, Alexander bolted to the Cincinnati Bengals in 2020 but returned to Minneapolis last season. The former Clemson Tiger won’t be confused for a shutdown corner any time soon, as he only has three career interceptions and isn’t known for making game-changing plays. However, he’s appeared in 84 games with 25 starts. That kind of experience could be valuable for the Jags.

Another alternative for Jacksonville is former All-Pro Patrick Peterson. He’s significantly better than Alexander and was one of the best cornerbacks in the league when he was in his prime. However, he may be entering the twilight stage of his career. If the Jaguars think he does have a bit of gas left in the tank, they could then pursue him in free agency.