Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander posted what seems to be a goodbye message to fans and Lambeau Field, as trade rumors swirl with the offseason getting underway in Green Bay.
Jaire cryptic IG post? ? pic.twitter.com/z0yMNLMZGn
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) January 24, 2024
Following an up-and-down 2023 season for Alexander, the Packers could look to move on, especially in an effort to free up cap space this offseason. Alexander is due to collect an $8 million roster bonus on March 20, which could be a deadline for the Packers to execute a trade to move on from the 26-year-old defensive back.
Alexander finished the 2023 campaign with 27 tackles and one forced fumble in seven games. The six-year veteran missed six games due to a shoulder injury, was suspended for one game for conduct detrimental to the team, and missed two games due to a back injury.
If the Packers do trade Alexander, who signed an $84 million extension in 2022, Green Bay would absorb a $27 million dead-money charge. However, Green Bay can create $15.16 million in cap space for the 2024 season by trading Alexander after June 1, while absorbing a $8.364 million dead-money hit next season.
Still an effective cornerback, Alexander could draw a strong market from contending teams looking to upgrade a premium position ahead of next season. Here's a look at Alexander's five best trade fits.
Baltimore Ravens
Photo by Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images
The Ravens' defense has solidified its reputation as one of the league's stingiest this season, finishing the 2023 season as the NFL's top-ranked unit in total defense but just sixth in the league against the pass. Opponents averaged 191.9 passing yards against Baltimore this season, and Alexander is the kind of star-caliber defensive back who can elevate an already-dominant secondary. Pairing Alexander opposite All-Pro Marlon Humphrey would round out one of the top cornerback duos in the NFL. Baltimore is only projected to have $5.6 million in cap space, so adding Alexander might take some financial gymnastics, but there's little doubt Alexander would be an ideal fit.
Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta's defense made significant strides in 2023; and whether it is Jim Harbaugh or Bill Belichick (who both interviewed for the job) as the Falcons' next head coach, it would seem that the defense is once again going to be a point of focus this offseason. Alexander would be an immediate upgrade over Clark Phillips. And it would be a shot across the bow in the NFC South, signaling that the Falcons are committed to competing. Slated to pick No. 8 overall, the Falcons are loaded with premium draft capital to offer the Packers, if Green Bay decides to absorb a significant cap hit in favor of adding ammunition for the 2024 draft.
Buffalo Bills
Patrick Mahomes' success against the Bills in the AFC divisional round underscored Buffalo's weakness in the secondary. Mahomes completed 17 of 23 attempts for 215 yards and a pair of touchdowns against a Bills defense that finished the 2023 campaign ranked seventh against the pass. However, Dane Jackson is set to become a free agent, and Alexander would be a favorite to win the starting job opposite Rasul Douglas over Taron Johnson.
Houston Texans
Few organizations have a brighter present and future than the Houston Texans. With quarterback C.J. Stroud on a rookie contract — and DeMeco Ryans authoring a Coach of the Year type of performance in his first season in Houston, thanks to a very winnable AFC South — the Texans should be considered prohibitive favorites to win the division and more in 2024. Likewise, the Texans have over $74 million in cap space, along with a need at cornerback. Dropping Alexander into the secondary would be another big step toward Ryans replicating the dominant personnel he had at his disposal as the 49ers' defensive coordinator, while creating opportunities to send extra pressure even more often than he did in 2023.
Kansas City Chiefs
General manager Brett Veach and the Kansas City Chiefs have never been known to rest on their laurels, especially in the Mahomes era. With the Chiefs expected to have over $26 million in cap space — and with veteran cornerback L'Jarius Sneed set to become an unrestricted free agent — Alexander could be on Kansas City's radar if the 27-year-old winds up elsewhere in 2024. Second-year cornerback Trent McDuffie has emerged as a star on the back end of Kansas City's defense; but Alexander would add a veteran voice to the secondary and be a perfect complement to the 2022 first-round pick, especially in the AFC arms race.
