After failing to make a trade happen, the Green Bay Packers will officially release long-time cornerback Jaire Alexander. According to the breaking news, it was no surprise that the Packers are letting go of the two-time Pro Bowler since he hasn’t been able to stay healthy in his recent campaigns with the team. Originally selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the former Louisville product became one of the most reliable secondary threats for the Packers before injuries and unproductivity began piling up. The cornerback had a lot of uncertainty regarding his future with the team, but the Packers made it known that they were trying to move on, and since they couldn’t find a trade partner, they were open to keeping him on the roster at the same time.
However, no team was willing to take on the dead cap that came with Alexander’s contract, and the Packers had no other choice but to take it on if it meant they had to move on. At the beginning of the offseason, Green Bay made an offer to keep the cornerback on a reduced contract, but Alexander declined it, and now he’s a free agent. It’s hard to imagine that he will sign a big contract that will pay him loads of money, so he will likely sign a one-year deal for the next team that signs him. While there are reportedly six teams eyeing Alexander, it shouldn’t be too long for him to sign, but these two rosters are the most likely fits.
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Ravens, Saints May Target Packers Free Agent Jaire Alexander After Release
Salvaging Baltimore’s Secondary
If any NFL team loves stacking cornerback talent, it’s the Baltimore Ravens. This is exactly what they did last year when they traded for Tre’Davious White to salvage the secondary unit. Former Raven Brandon Stephens wasn’t the most impressive cornerback in this defensive unit, so they needed any type of relief to bring some life to the Ravens. Veteran Marlon Humphrey is aging, but he’s still the best cornerback on this team. However, someone like 2024 draft pick Nate Wiggins is going to need extra veteran insurance if they want to see more success out of him.
Alexander could win the path to being a starter for the Ravens if he can stay healthy. The Ravens wouldn’t lose anything if they could pull together a one-year deal at least to pair with Wiggins and Humphrey. This should elevate the Ravens’ secondary over Chidobe Awuzie, who was slated to be the starting cornerback for this defense.
New Cornerback Life
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints could use a high-quality defensive player like Alexander. Between Kool-Aid McKinstry and Alontae Taylor, the Saints are in dire need to shake up this entire unit to be explosive again. Alexander might be Marshon Lattimore 2.0 because of the injury history, but if general manager Mickey Loomis can figure out and risk a contract to improve this secondary, they probably should look into the possible consideration.
The Saints don’t have an adequate starting offense and may have to lean on the defense this year. Alexander could change things around on this team and make a possible impact to turn the ball over and give Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler enormous opportunities.
The post Ravens, Saints May Target Packers Free Agent After Release appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.