Denver Broncos: 2021 free agents with connections to watch for

Denver Broncos 2021 free agent targets with connections

6. Mackensie Alexander, DB (Bengals)

Another player with a connection to new Broncos GM George Paton is former Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Mackensie Alexander.

Alexander was a second-round pick of the Vikings in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Clemson, but didn’t get a second contract in Minnesota, who had drafted a plethora of corners in the years following Alexanders’ selection.

Part of the reason he was allowed to hit free agency with Minnesota was his inability to consistently stay on the field. He has never played a full 16-game slate in five years as a pro.

Still, Alexander has obvious value as a slot defender in the NFL. He had his best year as a pro back in 2018 with the Vikings when he played in 15 games, racking up 43 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks, five QB hits, and 10 passes broken up.

Perhaps Paton feels like he can recapture that form.

At the age of 27, there is still time for Alexander to play his best ball as an NFL defensive back, and the fact that he plays in the nickel and has been so effective attacking the line of scrimmage could make him an attractive option regardless.