Packers Predicted to Replace Jaire Alexander With Ex-Vikings CB Stephon Gilmore
Packers Predicted to Replace Jaire Alexander With Ex-Vikings CB Stephon Gilmore originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The NFC North could have a cornerback carousel in the aftermath of the Green Bay Packers' release of All-Pro Jaire Alexander.
Advertisement
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)© 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."
Advertisement
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.
Related: Ex-Packers First-Round Pick Named Most Underappreciated Player On Team Entering 2025
Related: Vikings Trade Idea Sees J.J. McCarthy Joined by Young Gunslinger QB
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
25 minutes ago
- Yahoo
LeBron James, Barack Obama Send Messages to Coco Gauff After French Open Win
LeBron James, Barack Obama Send Messages to Coco Gauff After French Open Win originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The entire world took notice of Cori "Coco" Gauff's run to the 2025 French Open Grand Slam title at Roland Garros after becoming the first bearer of the stars and stripes to win the international tennis event in 10 years. Advertisement Among those to shout out the 21-year-old champ on social media was former president of the United States and avid sports fan Barack Obama. "Congratulations to [Coco Gauff] for an amazing championship at the French Open — the first American singles champion at [Roland Garros] in a decade," Obama posted to his X account on Saturday, June 7. "You make us all proud." Los Angeles Lakers superstar and four-time NBA champion LeBron James echoed Obama's comments by first reposting them, then adding an extra bit of his own praise for his fellow Olympian. "I SECOND THAT!!!" James wrote on X. "Congratulations my fellow flag bearer Coco Gauff 👏👏👏👏 ♥️." Gauff is currently the No. 2 ranked player in women's singles worldwide, though she has held the No. 1 ranking before and her win on the clay in France should position her favorably to regain the moniker. Advertisement She has for years been widely regarded as the successor to the Williams sisters, though more specifically the younger Serena Williams, as the premier female tennis player in the country. Gauff has captured 10 singles titles in her career, including two major championships -- the U.S. Open back in 2023 and the French Open on Saturday. She also owns nine doubles titles, including a French Open championship in 2024. Related: How Much Money Coco Gauff Earns From Winning the French Open This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
31 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Aaron Rodgers Contract Dubbed 'Major Bargain' for Pittsburgh Steelers
Aaron Rodgers Contract Dubbed 'Major Bargain' for Pittsburgh Steelers originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Pittsburgh Steelers finally got their guy. After months of speculation and strange conjecture about where Aaron Rodgers would or wouldn't play, he's finally put pen to paper for the black and gold. Advertisement While his skills and mobility may have diminished a bit, the $13.65 million the Steelers are paying him for 2025 still seems like a bargain. Even if he somehow reaches the contract's full potential of $19.5 million seems like a deal for the team. And PFT's Mike Florio agrees. "It's still not known how Rodgers can pump up his pay from $13.65 million to $19.5 million. There's talk that one factor to unlock the maximum package is winning the Super Bowl," Florio wrote. "The full amount, if he earns it, will still be less than what Justin Fields will make this year ($20 million). Which, for a player of Rodgers's capabilities, gives the Steelers a huge advantage. "It also saves millions in cash and cap dollars for other players. Whether it means they'll use the money to pay linebacker T.J. Watt or sign an available skill-position player (like running back J.K. Dobbins) or trade for a receiver (like Allen Lazard) or be ready to make a deal prior to the Week 9 deadline remains to be seen." The key here is that they're getting a top-tier quarterback (we think) for second- or third-tier money. And that's a lot less than what they could've spent elsewhere. Advertisement And it gives the Steelers room to add some pieces around Rodgers if it chooses to do so - and it should. Related: Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers Can Make NFL History with Week 8 Win Related: Three Wideout Possibilities for Steelers' New QB Aaron Rodgers This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
31 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Coco Gauff Addresses Aryna Sabalenka's 'Emotional' Behavior After French Open
Coco Gauff Addresses Aryna Sabalenka's 'Emotional' Behavior After French Open originally appeared on Athlon Sports. At just 21 years of age, American tennis phenom Coco Gauff bested World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the French Open over the weekend. Advertisement The win made Gauff the first American woman to win the French Open title since Serena Williams did so in 2015. While those around the sports world, such as NBA superstar LeBron James and former U.S. President Barack Obama, praised Gauff, her adversary took the opposite approach when speaking to the media. Following her loss, a dejected Sabalenka attributed Gauff's victory coming as a result of her mistakes and not necessarily due to Gauff's play. She later backtracked on her statement via social media and praised Gauff. The world's No. 2 player made it clear on Monday's "Good Morning America" that she was shocked. "I was a little bit surprised about the comments and everything but I'm gonna give her the benefit of the doubt," Gauff said. "I'm sure it was an emotional day, emotional match. I know she was probably a bit emotional after that match and it was a tough loss." Coco Gauff of the United States kisses the trophy after winning the women's singles final.© Susan Mullane-Imagn Images It was an uncomfortable situation that Gauff clearly handled with grace considering the fact her victory was initially disregarded. Advertisement "I think she won the match not because she played incredible," said Sabalenka. "Just because I made all of those mistakes, if you look from the outside, from kind of easy balls." As a result of the win, Gauff was awarded $2.9 million, and to sweeten the pot, bragging rights over Sabalenka. While Sabalenka seemed to think that Gauff beating her was an anomaly, Gauff is now sporting a 6-5 record against her all-time with a 2-1 record in Grand Slam finals. Needless to say, this could end up being one of tennis' biggest rivalries for years to come. Related: Aryna Sabalenka Facing Backlash for Coco Gauff Message After French Open Loss This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
