The Green Bay Packers released cornerback Jaire Alexander Monday morning, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. His future in Green Bay had been in jeopardy all offseason. The team looked for a trade partner but were unable to find one. Without a trade partner or a solution to keep Alexander in
Alexander makes sense as a player the New Orleans Saints would target, but they should be careful before going all out for the cornerback.
Jaire Alexander could fill a major hole for the Saints
Picking up Alexander would put a number one cornerback in the room. The Saints have belief in Kool-Aid McKinstry and Alontae Taylor, but neither of those players have experience stepping into the season as the top guy. This is their first season being a Week 1 starter on the outside.
Because of that lack of experience, grabbing a veteran makes a lot of sense. Alexander has made second-team All-Pro twice in his career and has become one of the better cornerbacks in the NFL. There is no doubt Alexander could bolster the Saints defense.
Jaire Alexander shares a fatal flaw with Marshon Lattimore
If Alexander is such a talented cornerback, why should the Saints be hesitant? Alexander is a top level corner, but he hasn’t been able to stay on the field in the last two seasons. This is the same issue that plagued Marshon Lattimore in his final years in New Orleans.
Lattimore missed significant time in his last two full seasons with the Saints and departed with an injury that cost him most of his time with the Washington Commanders. There should be apprehension around Alexander for this reason. The Saints just had to move on from their star cornerback for this reason.
When asked about moving on from Alexander, Packers president Mark Murphy told media, "Obviously, elite talent. Unfortunately, just injured a lot. Unfortunately, that’s a big part of the game.” He drove the point home by mentioning how the team is used to playing without him. This is something any interested party should keep in mind, especially the Saints.
If the Saints make a move for Alexander, the contract should be heavily laced with incentives. Taking this precaution allows the Saints to protect themselves in case Alexander suffers another injury. If he doesn't, the Saints get a talented cornerback for a full season, and he gets his money.