Sep 6, 2024; Sao Paulo, BRA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) runs during the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Neo Quimica Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee
In the blink of an eye, Jaire Alexander became the most sought after player in the NFL.
Alexander was released by the Green Bay Packers Monday morning, meaning he will become a free agent when the move is processed at 4 p.m. ET this afternoon. Naturally, whenever a big name is available, the Eagles are floated as a potential landing spot, due to Howie Roseman's aggressiveness. That's currently happening with Alexander.
CBS's Jared Dubin released a list of potential suitors, which included the Eagles. The Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams and Baltimore Ravens were also mentioned. There's yet to be any reporting about what teams will be interested, but Alexander would be a strong addition to the Eagles secondary, alongside Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.
As rookies, the duo reinvented the Eagles secondary. The Eagles went from allowing the fifth-most passing yards (4,551) in 2023 to the second-fewest (3,266) in 2024. Veteran Darius Slay also played a huge role, helping shut down opposing teams' top receivers. The Eagles released the 34-year-old in March, leaving an opening at outside corner that Alexander could fill.
As of now, that spot is occupied by Kelee Ringo, a fourth-round draft pick in 2023. Ringo's opportunities were few and far between in 2024. Playing behind Slay, Mitchell and DeJean, Ringo only played 10.7% of the Eagles' defensive snaps. Isaiah Rodgers was the Eagles' go-to backup corner if someone got hurt. He would've been Slay's replacement, but he signed with the Minnesota Vikings in free agency.
The Eagles not re-signing Rodgers — who's still relatively young at 27 — may be a sign they trust Ringo, despite limited action. However, it's not often a 28-year-old two-time All-Pro becomes available, which is certainly enticing for Roseman.
The caveat with Alexander is he's struggled to stay healthy over the past few seasons. He only appeared in 14 total games between 2023 and 2024 and has only played at least 16 games twice in his seven-year NFL career. That was the main reason for the Packers letting him go.
"He's been a great player for us. Obviously (an) elite talent, just unfortunately just injured a lot," Packers President Mark Murphy told WBAY-TV's Dave Schroeder.
The injuries are definitely a big worry, especially for a player like Alexander, who will likely command a lot of money. However, the upside on Alexander is huge. When healthy, he's one of the best cornerbacks in the league. The Packers gave him a big payday in 2022, with a four-year/$84 million extension, which made him the highest-paid corner in the league. Two years later, Green Bay is moving on.
That leaves the Eagles with a chance to strike. It's plausible that Alexander's best playing days are behind him. He's only 28, but the injuries have piled up, including a torn PCL in his right knee this past season.
With that said, Alexander wouldn't have to bear the same pressure he did with the Packers if he signs with the Eagles. Playing alongside Mitchell and DeJean would be beneficial since he likely wouldn't cover opposing teams' No. 1 receiver — that responsibility would go to Mitchell — but shutting down No. 2 wideouts is a viable option. Mitchell and Alexander on the outside together would create one of the best corner tandems in the league. With DeJean on the inside in the slot, the Eagles' secondary would continue to be a strong point.
Alexander's decision might come down to whoever pays him the most money. If that's the case, the Eagles probably won't get involved. If Alexander is willing to take less to join a Super Bowl contender and prove that he can stay healthy, it would create a different outlook.
