Jaguars trade Northcutt to Lions for Alexander

Jun 30, 2009 - 10:22 PM JACKSONVILLE, Fla.(AP) -- The Jacksonville Jaguars have traded receiver Dennis Northcutt to the Detroit Lions for safety Gerald Alexander.

The deal was finalized Tuesday after both players passed physicals.

Northcutt gives rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford, the top pick in April's NFL draft who could replace Daunte Culpepper in the starting lineup, a veteran receiver opposite Calvin Johnson.

Alexander, a second-round pick in 2007, gives Jacksonville depth in the secondary. He started 16 games as a rookie, but missed most of last year following a neck injury.

Northcutt, who has 364 receptions for 4,584 yards and 17 touchdowns, has been projected to start this season. But Jacksonville's three rookie receivers were impressive enough during offseason drills that Northcutt became expendable.