From a football perspective, the Eagles need help in the secondary. From a business standpoint, they love value signings. Jaire Alexander, under the right contract terms, offers both
If Howie Roseman can find a deal structure that protects the team’s cap while giving Alexander incentive, this could become another brilliant move in his already impressive résumé. Eagles fans see the potential and are making their voices heard. Now, all eyes turn to the front office.
Alexander may have left Green Bay behind, but his next chapter could very well be written in midnight green.
Whether it ends this offseason or extends another year, his contributions have left a lasting mark on the organization.
The coming weeks will be telling, as Green Bay’s front office navigates one of its toughest personnel decisions in recent memory.
If this is the end of Alexander’s tenure with the Packers, he departs as one of the most talented cornerbacks the franchise has ever had. If he stays, it will be with a renewed focus on availability and reliability. Either way, the next chapter in Alexander’s story—whether in Green Bay or elsewhere—will be one to watch closely.
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Philadelphia Eagles Fans Call for Jaire Alexander Signing
When the Green Bay Packers unexpectedly released star cornerback Jaire Alexander on June 9 amid a contract dispute, NFL fans across the country reacted with surprise.1
But in Philadelphia, a passionate fan base saw opportunity. Eagles fans quickly turned to social media, urging general manager Howie Roseman to make a move and bring Alexander to the City of Brotherly Love.
Jaire Alexander is not your average free agent. He’s a two-time Pro Bowler, a former first-round draft pick, and widely regarded as one of the NFL’s most talented cornerbacks when healthy.
With the Packers choosing to move on after failing to restructure his contract, the market suddenly opened for a premier defensive back—a rare mid-offseason gift for cornerback-needy teams.
For the Philadelphia Eagles, who struggled defensively in the 2024 season, especially in the secondary, this presents a golden opportunity to strengthen a key area.
The Contract Situation That Led to His Release
Alexander had two years remaining on the four-year, $84 million extension he signed with Green Bay in 2022. That deal made him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL at the time.
However, after an injury-plagued 2023 campaign and inconsistent availability, the Packers were looking to rework the terms. When both sides failed to reach a compromise, Green Bay made the difficult decision to part ways.
Though risky, the move saved cap space and allowed them to move forward with their younger talent. But for teams like the Eagles, it opened a rare chance to swoop in and add a proven defensive back without giving up trade capital.
Philadelphia’s Secondary Needs Immediate Help
The Eagles ranked near the bottom of the league in pass defense last season. Their inability to stop opposing quarterbacks in key situations cost them critical games and contributed to a late-season collapse.
Veteran corners like Darius Slay and James Bradberry showed signs of aging, and the young players in the pipeline didn’t step up as expected.
Bringing in a player like Alexander could instantly provide not only talent but depth and competition—a key factor as the Eagles look to rebound from a disappointing campaign.
Howie Roseman’s Reputation for Making Splash Moves
- If there’s one general manager known for opportunistic, strategic moves, it’s Howie Roseman.
- Nicknamed the “Howie Reaper” by fans, Roseman has made a career of pulling off surprise signings and trades that swing momentum in the Eagles’ favor. Fans are now calling on him to add Alexander to that list.
- “Howie Roseman you know what to do. Come back home Jai,” one fan posted online. Others echoed similar sentiments, pointing to Roseman’s ability to land players on one-year prove-it deals that pay off.
- After his release, Alexander’s market value is somewhat unclear. Injuries and contract disputes tend to cloud perception, even for elite talent. That makes a short-term deal attractive for both the player and interested teams.
- For the Eagles, a one-year contract would add a top-tier corner without long-term financial commitment.
- For Alexander, a year in a well-coached defense with a playoff-contending team could help him re-establish his value and hit the market strong in 2026.
- “Howie sneak in and do one of those wonderful 1-year deals again,” a fan suggested—a sentiment echoed across Eagles social media circles.
Jaire Alexander’s Fit in Philadelphia’s Defensive Scheme
New Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio prefers aggressive, zone-based concepts with hybrid man coverages.2
That makes Alexander an ideal candidate for his system. Despite his recent struggles, Alexander’s quick hips, elite footwork, and strong instincts make him one of the better man-to-zone transition corners in the league.
He can shadow top receivers or play off coverage with strong awareness—traits that Fangio’s defense demands. And considering Philadelphia’s current secondary depth chart, Alexander would immediately push for a starting spot.
Competition and Depth: A Healthy Dynamic
Even if Alexander isn’t handed a starting job, he brings immediate competition.
Depth in the secondary is essential in today’s NFL, where injuries and passing volume make cornerback one of the most rotation-heavy positions.
With Darius Slay, James Bradberry, Kelee Ringo, and Avonte Maddox all battling for roles, Alexander would increase urgency and accountability across the unit.
And if he returns to Pro Bowl form, he could become the team’s best corner by midseason.
— Jaire Alexander (@jairealexanderr) May 23, 2024
Fan Excitement Reflects a Desire for Defensive Identity
- The outpouring of support from fans for a Jaire Alexander signing highlights a larger truth: Eagles fans want their team to return to being feared on defense.
- After years of dominant front sevens and hard-nosed defensive play, the recent dip in pass coverage has been hard to stomach.
- “Eagles all day. This is exactly what they need,” one fan said. Another added, “WELCOME TO PHILLY,” reflecting the readiness of the city to embrace a proven defender.
- Alexander’s swagger and physical style would mesh well with Philadelphia’s hard-nosed football culture.
- Of course, there’s a reason Green Bay was willing to part with a Pro Bowl cornerback.
- Alexander played in only seven games in 2023, dealing with a recurring shoulder injury. He also missed time in 2021 due to a similar issue.
- That said, the Eagles have medical and performance staffs capable of managing veteran players, especially on short-term deals. If the price is right, the reward could far outweigh the risk.
Jaire Alexander’s Career Still Has High Ceiling
At just 27 years old, Jaire Alexander still has several good years left if he stays healthy.3
He’s already shown he can be a lockdown corner, having earned All-Pro votes and consistently graded among the top coverage defenders during his peak seasons.
With the right support system and a clean bill of health, there’s no reason he can’t return to that level. And doing so in Philadelphia could be a career-defining resurgence.
What Signing Alexander Would Signal for the Eagles
Signing Alexander would be more than just a roster upgrade. It would be a clear statement from the Eagles’ front office that they’re serious about contending now. It would reinforce a win-now mindset and put pressure on other NFC contenders.
It would also tell veterans in the locker room that the team isn’t standing still—an important message after last season’s frustrations.
Competing Teams Could Drive Up the Price
Philadelphia isn’t the only team in the market for secondary help. Other contenders like the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, or even NFC rivals like the Detroit Lions could enter the mix.
The question becomes how aggressive Roseman is willing to be in order to secure Alexander’s services.
While some teams may have more cap flexibility, Philadelphia has the allure of a strong roster, a player-first culture, and a real shot at contending in 2025.
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Jaire Alexander’s Packers Journey Nears Its End
The Green Bay Packers are at a crossroads with star cornerback Jaire Alexander. Once a franchise cornerstone and one of the premier shutdown corners in the NFL, Alexander’s career in Green Bay appears to be nearing its final chapter.
After a 2024 season plagued by injuries, General Manager Brian Gutekunst finally opened up about the complex situation surrounding Alexander’s future.
His comments highlighted the tough balance between talent and availability—a challenge that’s defined Alexander’s recent seasons.
Drafted to Be a Star: Alexander’s Rise to the NFL Elite
The Packers selected Jaire Alexander in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, a move met with optimism and high expectations.
Almost immediately, Alexander showcased the skill set that had scouts raving—fluid hips, elite speed, and a fearlessness in man coverage. By his second year, he was matching up with and shutting down some of the league’s top receivers.
From 2018 through 2020, Alexander evolved into one of the NFL’s most reliable cornerbacks. In 2020, he earned second-team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl selection, validating his status as a true lockdown presence.
He wasn’t just covering receivers; he was erasing them. When healthy, Alexander consistently forced quarterbacks to look elsewhere, knowing he would neutralize their top option.
The Injury Bug Strikes: A Promising Career Hampered by Absences
While Alexander’s talent is undeniable, staying on the field has proven to be a recurring issue. His 2021 season was derailed by a shoulder injury, limiting him to just four games.
Although he rebounded with a strong 2022 campaign that included five interceptions and a second Pro Bowl nod, the injury narrative never fully disappeared.
In 2023 and 2024, the durability concerns became unavoidable. Alexander missed significant time due to back and shoulder issues. Though he occasionally flashed brilliance—such as a crucial interception against the Detroit Lions in a pivotal NFC North clash—his inability to stay healthy cast a shadow over his contributions.
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst didn’t shy away from addressing this reality:
“It’s been really frustrating for not only him as a player, but us as a club. When you have a player that has done what he’s done for us in the past, and then not being able to get him on the field consistently, that’s tough.”
Jaire Alexander: Legacy in Green and Gold
A Look at Alexander’s Contributions
Though the ending might feel abrupt, Jaire Alexander’s legacy in Green Bay is substantial. Over six seasons, he played 78 games, recording 12 interceptions and establishing himself as the Packers’ most feared defensive back.
His ability to match up against the NFL’s best receivers—from Justin Jefferson to Stefon Diggs—gave the defense flexibility and swagger.
He was more than just a corner; he was a tone-setter, a vocal leader, and an emotional spark for the team. His performance in the 2020 NFC Divisional Round against the Los Angeles Rams—where he allowed just one catch for negative yards—remains a highlight in Packers postseason lore.
While he didn’t always rack up gaudy interception totals, quarterbacks often avoided his side of the field altogether.
That’s a level of respect only a select few earn.
The Market Reacts: Could Alexander Find a New Home?
Now that Gutekunst has opened the door to parting ways, speculation around Alexander’s next destination has already begun. Teams in need of a veteran cornerback—such as the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, or even the Kansas City Chiefs—are undoubtedly monitoring the situation closely.
If he is released or traded, Alexander will be one of the most sought-after names on the market. His age (he’s only 28) and resume still make him a valuable commodity, assuming health.
In the right system, and with a clean bill of health, he could easily bounce back and re-establish himself as one of the NFL’s premier defenders.
Packers’ Defensive Future: Building Without Alexander
Should the Packers move on from Alexander, their secondary will need reshaping. Young corners like Eric Stokes and Carrington Valentine will likely be asked to step into larger roles.
Stokes, a first-round pick in 2021, has shown promise but has also battled his own injury issues. The Packers may need to dip into free agency or target another corner in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley will face the challenge of building a consistent, aggressive unit without the comfort of having a lockdown corner to eliminate top receiving threats. The defensive philosophy might need to shift, relying more on zone coverage and team defense rather than star power.
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