Just hours after the Green Bay Packers shocked the league by releasing star cornerback Jaire Alexander, the Philadelphia Eagles are already making moves.
League sources confirmed Friday evening that the Eagles are aggressively pursuing the former All-Pro, viewing him as the missing piece to bolster a secondary that struggled with inconsistency and injuries throughout the 2024 season.
“Philadelphia sees this as an opportunity too big to pass up,” said one NFC executive. “They’ve been looking for a true CB1, and now there’s one on the market.”
The #Packers and Jaire Alexander agreed to explore a potential trade this spring, while a restructured contract was also discussed. In the end, Green Bay and Alexander move on with a clean break. https://t.co/YeFHktkDQY
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 9, 2025
A Premium Talent Hits the Open Market
Jaire Alexander’s release came after months of behind-the-scenes conversations between the player and the Packers, including discussions of a trade and contract restructuring. But when neither materialized, the two sides opted for what was described as a “clean break.”
Alexander, 27, now becomes one of the most valuable free agents available — a two-time Pro Bowler with elite man coverage skills, explosiveness, and a proven track record of shutting down No. 1 receivers.
He was originally drafted 18th overall in 2018 and had been considered a core building block for Green Bay’s defense before injuries and contract dynamics complicated his future with the team.
Why He Fits in Philly
The Eagles’ defensive backfield was a source of concern last year. Despite having Darius Slay and James Bradberry, both veterans showed signs of regression in 2024. The team finished in the bottom third of the league in pass defense, and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has been vocal about the need for improvement in both talent and communication.
Jaire Alexander offers both.
He’s scheme-versatile, able to play in man or zone, and thrives in high-pressure moments — something Philadelphia lacked in key late-season collapses. More importantly, his youth and athleticism provide a much-needed infusion of speed and flexibility.
“They’re not just interested — they’re aggressive,” said another source close to negotiations. “This isn’t exploratory. The Eagles want to make this happen.”
Signing Alexander won’t come cheap. His previous deal with Green Bay averaged $21 million per year, and even with injury concerns, he’s expected to command top-tier money. The Eagles, however, freed up cap space this offseason and could offer a front-loaded deal with team-friendly guarantees.
General Manager Howie Roseman is known for striking quickly and creatively — especially when high-end talent becomes unexpectedly available.
Jaire Alexander to Philadelphia isn’t official — yet. But the interest is real, the fit is obvious, and the urgency from the Eagles is telling.
If they land him, it could reshape the outlook of their defense — and send a message to the NFC: The Eagles aren’t rebuilding. They’re reloading.
