Former first-round draft pick cornerback Jaire Alexander could face release after the season. According to one report, the Green Bay Packers may face a tough decision this upcoming offseason, releasing one of the best defensive pieces which may indicate the team is getting younger. Originally selected in the 2018 NFL Draft, Alexander became one of the more reliable defenders in the air attack, earning two Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods recording 1.5 sacks, 70 pass deflections and 287 total tackles. However, injuries have been slowing him down the past three seasons and being one of the highest-paid players on the roster could force the Packers to release him.
Alexander is only getting better if he can be healthy, however, business is business for Green Bay. They can’t afford to take a massive cap hit from an athlete who can’t stay on the field for more than a few games. While Alexander is on a contract through 2026, it won’t stop the Packers from releasing him after the year. The assumption is that the Packers will acquire a veteran cornerback in free agency in March but they may need to draft one for the longevity.
Alexander may not be reliable as long-term stability for a team’s secondary but he could easily earn a one-year deal to prove he can earn a high-paid extension. After missing 27 games over the past four seasons, it might be better to limit his snaps and get a few flashy plays before they give him full-time duties. The Ravens, Chiefs have defensive schemes that could fit into Alexander’s game.
Former First-Round Stud Jaire Alexander Could Face Release – Ravens, Chiefs Possible Fits
Restructuring the Atrocious Defense
The Baltimore Ravens are heading toward the postseason with a solid offense and many moving pieces that could score and make plays. MVP Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry have the ingredients to cook defenses but what’s holding them back to get that final flavor is the defense. While the pass-rushing unit has been one of the best which shows that guys like Kyle Van Noy, Roquan Smith and Odafe Oweh are doing their jobs, they have trouble covering that up against opposing offenses. The Ravens have one of the deepest secondary groups with a lot of talent but Marlon Humphrey can only do much on the field to keep the coverage together.
It might come down to this group stopping the Ravens from achieving their first Super Bowl since Joe Flacco’s era. Jaire Alexander might not have much to offer but if he’s a healthy scratch, the Ravens should bring him in to replace Brandon Stephens. John Harbaugh is no stranger to making changes around the secondary after activating Ar’Darius Washington this season but some superstar relief might benefit Humphrey. It might take a few games before Alexander becomes the full-time starter but he could still make an impact over rookie Nate Wiggins who’s still adjusting to NFL life.
Defense over Offense?
The Kansas City Chiefs have several questions beyond this 2024 season no matter the outcome and if they win another Super Bowl by a miracle. The team will lose several key free agents such as DeAndre Hopkins, Marquise Brown and other wide receivers which could force them to change this roster completely. Kansas City might be forced to rely on the defense to win them ballgames after already keeping them in the driver’s seat this year this upcoming postseason. Patrick Mahomes hasn’t been himself and cannot figure out how to get veteran Travis Kelce the ball.
If this rings true in 2025, the Chiefs could need to stack on defensive talent while the team’s offense gets younger. Trent McDuffie has been filling in big shoes since L’Jarius Sneed got traded this past offseason. While he is seeing success, secondary pieces like Chamarri Conner are battling injuries and Justin Reid will become a free agent in 2025. Signing Jaire Alexander if he becomes available after the year could give much temporary relief.
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