Should Eagles sign Jaire Alexander? Philly named landing spot for star corner

When it comes to GM Howie Roseman, you can never rule anything out. So after going extremely light on owner Jeffrey Lurie’s wallet in free agency so far this offseason, it should surprise no one that the Philadelphia Eagles are considered a top landing spot for disgruntled — and soon to be released — cornerback Jaire Alexander of the Green Bay Packers.

Despite a string of injury-plagued seasons, Alexander had been seeking a contract extension from Green Bay. Per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the Packers put a restructured, incentive-laden deal on the table that would usher Alexander into free agency in 2026. The two-time All-Pro turned that offer down. Green Bay also attempted to trade Alexander during April’s draft, but couldn’t reach an agreement, per Breer.

That comes as no surprise, as Alexander makes about $21 million per year. That’s a hefty price for a player who logged just 361 total snaps last year due to a torn PCL. He’s only played about 900 snaps total since his second All-Pro season in 2022, and has appeared in just 34 of a possible 68 games since he signed his mega extension with Green Bay in March of 2022.

Despite a frugal offseason and stacked cornerback room led by young stars Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, Jared Dublin of CBS Sports can see Alexander landing back on his feet in Philly this season.

“Philly is always aggressive in going after high-level talent, and Alexander fits the bill,” Dubin wrote. “He does even more so because the Eagles allowed both Darius Slay and Isaiah Rodgersto leave for greener pastures in free agency this offseason, leaving them with Kelee Ringo or Adoree' Jackson as their other starting corner across from 2024 first-rounder Quinyon Mitchell. Adding Alexander to the mix would allow them to better replicate what they had last year with Mitchell, Slay and slot corner Cooper DeJean.”

With DeJean set to man the nickel corner spot once again in 2025, the starting boundary spot opposite Mitchell figures to be one of the team’s top position battles in training camp. As it stands, third-year pro Kelee Ringo has the inside track with Adoree Jackson and Eli Ricks set for reserve roles.

With all due respect to Ringo, who’s five years younger and has legitimate upside, adding Alexander would be the splashy move Eagles fans have been waiting for. Insider Anthony DiBona sees one specific path, however, and it would require Alexander taking a one-year deal similar to the one he recently turned down from Green Bay.

“If Jaire Alexander is willing to sign a contract with minimal guaranteed money,” DiBona wrote, “and incentives for games played, etc. to earn more money, then that would be the only way that I could see him landing in Philadelphia.”

It’s a good bet that Philly will be intrigued by Alexander’s talent, with the added bonus of keeping him from joining a team like Detroit or Minnesota. But if it requires the still 28-year-old Alexander to accept a prove-it deal short on guaranteed money, it’s hard to see the two sides agreeing on a contract.

The guess here is that Ringo finally gets his chance to sink or swim in Vic Fangio’s defense for the reigning Super Bowl champs.

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