The Green Bay Packers have a cornerback problem, but they made the correct call to release Jaire Alexander in the summer.
Alexander signed a one-year, $6 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens but only featured in two of their eight games this season, and now the former All-Pro cornerback is on the move again. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Saturday afternoon that the Ravens have traded Alexander, along with a 2027 seventh-round pick, to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2026 sixth-round choice.
While Alexander missed time due to injury this season, the Ravens had also made him a healthy scratch on Monday Night Football last week. The writing was on the wall.
Packers made the correct decision to move on from Jaire Alexander during the summer
Alexander enjoyed two Pro Bowl seasons in Green Bay, but injuries limited him to just 34 of a possible 68 games in his final four years with the team. The Packers tried to negotiate a pay cut during the offseason, but failing to agree on terms, they released him in June.
The decision saved them a little over $17 million in 2025 salary cap space, which provided more flexibility to trade for Micah Parsons and make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.
Baltimore handed Alexander $6 million in the hopes he could stay healthy and rediscover his All-Pro form. Alexander only featured in two games and struggled when he did play. His 31.0 PFF coverage grade is the Ravens' second-worst this season, having allowed quarterbacks to complete all five targets in his coverage for 116 yards. He also had one penalty and a crucial missed tackle in Week 1.
While the Eagles aren't taking on much risk by trading for Alexander, it's somewhat of an unusual decision, as he isn't even guaranteed to start.
Earlier this week, Philadelphia traded for cornerback Michael Carter II, who spends most of his time in the slot. His arrival will potentially push star Cooper DeJean to the outside opposite Quinyon Mitchell. Unless the plan is for DeJean to retain slot duties and for Carter to begin as a backup, it's unclear how Alexander fits into the Eagles' plans.
We may find out in Week 11, at Lambeau Field, no less, as Alexander could make his Eagles debut against the Packers.
One thing is for sure: Green Bay got it right. Alexander had an outstanding career with the Packers, but GM Brian Gutekunst understood it was time to move on. The Ravens took a $6 million risk, but they only needed eight games to learn what the Packers already knew.