Dec 25, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) runs with the football after intercepting a pass during the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports Sam Navarro
This story originally appeared on Inside The Birds.
Hardly a team to remain idle during a fast-approaching trade deadline, the Eagles continued their trend of proactivity just days after adding cornerback Michael Carter last week, striking another deal Saturday afternoon in hopes of bolstering the roster.
Coming over in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens was two-time All Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander and a 2027 seventh-round pick in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick.
Alexander, 28, signed a one-year deal with the Ravens in June following his release from the Green Bay Packers, the team that originally drafted him with the 18th overall pick in 2018. While Alexander’s pedigree and resume understandably comes with a bit of intrigue, it’s worth noting his brief tenure in Baltimore also conjures skepticism.
Alexander appeared in only two games for a struggling Ravens defense, totaling 61 snaps. His final game with the team was Thursday against the Miami Dolphins, a game in which Alexander was a healthy scratch. Moreover, Alexander was a healthy scratch for five games
Still, there are variables to consider that might have contributed to Alexander’s inactivity, such as scheme fit. Perhaps a change of scenery and fit in coordinator Vic Fangio’s defense unlocks some semblance of the player Alexander was during his heyday with the Packers.
The Eagles also didn’t exactly fork over much in terms of compensation to acquire Alexander, depicting the move as a flyer with potential upside. The move also arms Fangio with additional depth and optionality as the Eagles, who were on the bye Sunday, enter the second half of their season.
It’s also worth noting that Alexander, in Green Bay, overlapped with Eagles defensive backs coach Christian Parker, then a defensive quality control coach, for two seasons (2019-20). The familiarity with Parker, the Eagles’ fast-rising position coach, could also play a role in getting the most out of Alexander.
Alexander joins a crowded house at the position, joining Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, Adoree’ Jackson, Mac McWilliams and Carter. Third-year cornerback Jakorian Bennett, whose practice window opened Oct. 22, is also expected to enter the mix. Based on roster construction – in addition to Bennett’s impending return, Brandon Graham’s two week roster exemption expires Monday – carrying eight cornerbacks wouldn’t appear to be feasible. And for what it’s worth, it should be pointed out that Alexander and Jackson don’t play on special teams.
As an aside, the Eagles on Saturday placed S Marcus Epps and OLB Azeez Ojulari on injured reserve. The roster currently sits at 51 players.
