NFL teams can plan out their roster-building strategies all they want, but sometimes, unexpected opportunities are enough to make teams stray from the path.
Superstar cornerback Jaire Alexander was released from the Green Bay Packers this week. While he doesn't fit the team's timeline, the Arizona Cardinals should look into signing Alexander.
Arizona Cardinals should consider signing Jaire Alexander
The Arizona Cardinals have spent the 2025 offseason rebuilding their defense with reliable veterans and high-ceiling young players.
In 2024, the Cardinals' defense was made up of Budda Baker and, well, not much else. Now, it's headlined by players like Josh Sweat, Walter Nolen, Dalvin Tomlinson, and Will Johnson. The defensive overhaul has been one of the most dramatic transformations in the league this offseason, and it has the Cardinals in position to compete for a playoff spot.
Jaire Alexander has been one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL since he entered the league in 2018. He is a two-time Pro Bowl selection and a two-time All-Pro selection. He's posted 12 interceptions in his seven NFL seasons. Alexander has been a true lockdown cornerback at times in Green Bay.
So why would the Packers release a player as talented as Jaire Alexander? Alexander has struggled to stay healthy, especially in recent years. He's only played 14 total games over the last two seasons. His current price tag just wasn't worth the production to the Packers.
But could he fit with the Arizona Cardinals? Jaire Alexander doesn't exactly fit the "reliable veteran" mold that the Cardinals have sought out this offseason. His injury history alone may be enough to make the Cardinals walk away.
Over the last few seasons, the Cardinals have built one of the most promising young cornerback groups in the NFL. Garrett Williams, Max Melton, and Will Johnson could be a solid starting group for the Cardinals for the next five years. Starling Thomas IV and Denzel Burke are good, young depth pieces at the position. Adding an injury-prone veteran like Jaire Alexander could stunt the growth of some of these young stars.
Despite the potential negatives, the Cardinals should at least look into signing Alexander. The addition would solidify Arizona's defense as a top-ten unit heading into the season. Sean Murphy-Bunting's season-ending injury left the Cardinals without a veteran presence at cornerback, and Alexander could more than take his place.
Of course, other teams will be more aggressive in their pursuit of Jaire Alexander. The Cardinals likely aren't willing to enter a bidding war for him. Still, they should at least see what it would cost to bring him in.