It came as a surprise when Jaire Alexander not only didn't make his Philadelphia Eagles debut against the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football, but didn't even travel to Green Bay for the game.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic has provided more context. According to Russini, Alexander has informed the Eagles that he is stepping away from football and is "contemplating retirement." He is focused on "getting right physically and mentally."
This comes a little over a week after the Baltimore Ravens traded the former Packers Pro Bowler to the Eagles for a Day 3 pick swap.
Jaire Alexander is reportedly stepping away from football and 'contemplating retirement'
Good for Alexander. The priority is his physical and mental health, and stepping away is absolutely the right thing to do. Alexander has battled injuries over the past few years, including a knee issue that sidelined him for multiple games with the Ravens.
Taking time to step away and contemplate his future is the correct decision. If he has any uncertainty about retirement, it makes total sense to take some time to think about it.
The Packers' former first-round pick still played at an All-Pro level when healthy last season, earning a Pro Football Focus coverage grade of 80.7 that ranked 10th among all cornerbacks. However, he suffered a significant knee injury in the win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, which was reportedly a torn posterior cruciate ligament.
Despite his best efforts to return last season, including playing 10 snaps against the Chicago Bears, he ultimately needed surgery. He played two games for the Ravens this season, logging 61 snaps.
Alexander enjoyed an outstanding career in Green Bay, earning two All-Pro and Pro Bowl nods. It's unfortunate that it didn't work out with the Ravens before his trade to the Eagles last week.
Whatever Alexander decides on his playing future, the most important thing is his health, and we all wish him nothing but the best.