When healthy, Jaire Alexander is widely regarded as one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. The eighth-year professional has earned a spot in two Pro Bowls and, in the previous season, managed to maintain a passer rating against of under 90 for the fifth time in seven years. Throughout his career, Alexander has also recorded 12 interceptions, showcasing his skills on the field. However, his availability has been a significant concern, as he has missed 10 games over the last two seasons. The last time Alexander played a full season was in 2019.
The Green Bay Packers recently made the difficult decision to release Alexander after failing to reach an agreement on a contract restructure. Packers president Mark Murphy explained to Dave Schroeder of WBAY that the team's decision was based on availability. "Well, first of all, he's been a great player for us," Murphy stated. "Obviously, elite talent and, you know, unfortunately just injured a lot. It's kind of unfortunate that's a big part of the game."
As the Dolphins look to bolster their cornerback position, Alexander's release presents a unique opportunity. Despite having star cornerback Jalen Ramsey on their roster, Miami could benefit from adding Alexander to their defensive lineup. Should the team find a trading partner for Ramsey, the need for a strong cornerback like Alexander becomes even more urgent. Currently, the Dolphins' starters include Storm Duck, Kader Kohou, and Jason Marshall Jr.
“Broadly speaking,” an analyst noted, “the decision isn't complicated: bring in Alexander, let him handle half the field/the other team's WR1, and figure the rest out. It's not the worst idea you'll see this year.” With Alexander now available without the hefty contract he carried, the Dolphins could justify signing an older, yet talented, cornerback.
Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers are facing their own roster changes after watching several veteran players depart during the offseason. Jared Dubin from CBS Sports suggests that it may be time for the Niners to consider adding a veteran like Alexander. With Charvarius Ward leaving in free agency, the team may need to rely on either journeyman Tre Brown or third-round pick Upton Stout opposite Deommodore Lenoir at cornerback.
“Bringing in another veteran—even one with injury issues—is an idea that has some merit, especially considering how much cap room the 49ers have on their hands,” Dubin remarked. The 49ers currently possess $46.6 million in cap space, second only to the New England Patriots, making them a prime candidate for acquiring Alexander.
The Buffalo Bills were previously interested in Alexander, having held trade discussions with the Packers earlier in the offseason. According to Jordan Schultz from Fox Sports, while talks ultimately fell through, the Bills could reignite their interest now that Alexander has been released. Although the Bills have recently drafted Maxwell Hairston and have other cornerbacks like Christian Benford and Taron Johnson, adding Alexander could enhance their Super Bowl aspirations.
“It’s unclear if the Bills will revisit things now that Alexander has been released,” Schultz noted. However, the challenge remains in making the finances work, as the Bills currently sit at the bottom of the league in cap space with only $1.7 million available.
The Baltimore Ravens may also find value in acquiring Alexander. With Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins as their starters, the Ravens have a collection of young corners eager to prove themselves. Adding Alexander could allow Baltimore to utilize one of their starters in a third cornerback role during nickel and dime formations, potentially strengthening their secondary significantly.
Bringing in Alexander would enable the Ravens to keep Humphrey in the slot, where he performs best. If Alexander can stay injury-free, the addition could transform one of the Ravens’ defensive weaknesses into a formidable strength.
The Minnesota Vikings also have big aspirations for the upcoming season, especially after winning 14 games last year. However, the team has a pressing need on defense, having ranked 28th in the NFL against the pass. Historically, the Vikings have had success in acquiring former Packers stars, such as quarterback Brett Favre in 2009 and running back Aaron Jones last season.
While the Vikings' offense is brimming with talent, the question marks in their secondary could make Alexander a valuable asset. As young quarterback J.J. McCarthy continues to develop, reinforcing the defense with a proven cornerback like Alexander could be a game-changer for Minnesota.
With Jaire Alexander now available after his release from the Packers, several teams in the NFL could benefit from his elite skills. Whether it’s the Dolphins, 49ers, Bills, Ravens, or Vikings, each team has unique needs that Alexander could fulfill. As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, Alexander’s next move will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
