Jaire Alexander: From Shutdown Corner to Cap Casualty. What’s Next?
What's next for Jaire Alexander?
Jaire Alexander was once the cornerback no quarterback wanted to throw at. He blanketed the top wide receiver on almost every team in pro football, and QBs had to think twice before targeting the All-Pro.
Now? He’s a June cap casualty, looking for a new home.
Let’s break down what this means for the Packers and what’s next for Jaire Alexander.
Alexander was the last remaining “star” from the Mike Pettine-era defense. With Rashan Gary now the only major face left, it’s clear the Packers are trying to build a new culture on that side of the ball.
But make no mistake, they’re worse without Alexander on the field. When healthy, he still grades out as a top-10 cornerback in man coverage, according to PFF. And while his ball production dipped, his presence alone changed how offenses game-planned against Green Bay.
Alexander is still only 28 years old. While he has been hampered by injuries, taking a shot on a former All-Pro corner on a one-year deal is a smart risk, especially for teams with championship aspirations.
Top Landing Spots
Baltimore Ravens
As long as Lamar Jackson is under center, the Ravens are contenders in the AFC. While Baltimore’s secondary is already one of the league’s stronger units, it wouldn’t hurt to add a talent like Jaire Alexander to the mix.
It’s a win-win: Alexander would be reinvigorated playing for a legitimate title contender, and the Ravens could land a game-changer if he stays healthy. Also worth noting that Jackson and Alexander were college teammates at Louisville.
Detroit Lions
One thing we’ve learned about Alexander over the years: he’s a competitor.
What better way to get back at the team that released you than to sign with one of its biggest rivals? Beyond the revenge angle, Detroit is a rising NFC powerhouse with a strong coaching culture under Dan Campbell. This makes sense on every level. Fit, need, and motivation.
Denver Broncos
Let’s address the elephant in the room:
If both Pat Surtain II and Jaire Alexander stay healthy, they could form one of the best cornerback duos in recent memory. You’d have two top-five talents, both capable of playing elite press-man coverage.
Denver may not be in win-now mode, but a move like this could accelerate its defensive rebuild under Sean Payton.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs have an extremely young secondary, and Jaire Alexander could be the veteran presence that elevates the group. Much like last season, Tampa has a clear shot at winning the NFC South.
If Alexander were to sign, he’d immediately become the leader of that defense and possibly the key to a playoff push.
Final Thoughts
He’s 28, hungry, and if healthy, still one of the best in the league at what he does.
The Packers may be building for the future, but Alexander can still be a difference-maker right now. The only question is: which contender is ready to roll the dice?
