Potential Eagles free-agent targets with connections to Jonathan Gannon

Could Mackensie Alexander fill a potential void on the opposite side of Darius Slay?

During two of J.G.’s four seasons in Minneapolis as the Vikings’ assistant defensive backs coach, he got to know Mackensie Alexander very well after Minnesota made the former Clemson Tigers star the 54th-overall selection during Round 2 of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Alexander arrived, and the expectations were he’d provide immediate results. After all, he was a First-team All-ACC nod and a Third-team All-American following his final season at the collegiate level in 2015. It hasn’t quite worked out as the Vikes would have liked.

His first four seasons at football’s highest level concluded with a trip to the injured reserve. The Cincinnati Bengals added him by way of a one-year deal on March 30th before the Vikes re-signed him for a second stint on March 29th of last year.

Alexander figures to walk during the offseason. He’s never been voted to a Pro Bowl. He’s never been an All-Pro, but if there’s one area where Jonathan Gannon excels, it’s in getting the best out of his secondary.

In Gannon’s scheme during the 2021-2022 season, Darius Slay enjoyed a Pro Bowl season. Avonte Maddox had a fantastic run. The Birds found a nice rotation a safety. Don’t rule out the possibility of Alexander finally reaching his ceiling if he reunites with J.G. That is if the Philadelphia Eagles have any interest. Only time will tell if they are.