Should the Saints Look Into This Former Green Bay Packer?
The Green Bay Packers made headlines this offseason by releasing standout cornerback Jaire Alexander, a move that has caught the attention of multiple teams across the league. This development couldn’t be more crucial for the New Orleans Saints. With Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo no longer on the roster, the Saints are left with a glaring void at cornerback, one of the most critical positions in today's pass-heavy NFL. Alexander’s availability presents a rare opportunity to bring in a high-caliber talent without giving up draft capital. As the Saints look to maintain a competitive defense, they should seriously consider what signing Alexander could mean for their team.
At full health, Jaire Alexander is one of the NFL’s elite cornerbacks, with a reputation for locking down some of the league's best receivers. His footwork, closing speed, and ability to mirror routes make him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Having lost key pieces in their secondary, the Saints would benefit significantly from his veteran presence and Pro Bowl pedigree. Alexander could immediately become the team’s top cornerback and help mentor young talents like Alontae Taylor and Isaac Yiadom. With him on the field, the Saints' defensive identity could begin to rebuild around a high-level pass defense, rather than regress due to their recent losses.
Additionally, adding Alexander would have a ripple effect across the entire defense. His ability to play on an island would give defensive coordinator Brandon Staley the freedom to be more aggressive with blitz packages and coverage schemes. The Saints have traditionally relied on their secondary to create turnovers and tighten up in key moments, and Alexander’s skill set fits that mold perfectly. He thrives in man-to-man coverage and has shown a knack for making plays on the ball, something the Saints desperately need to replace with Lattimore and Adebo gone. Having a top-tier cornerback is beneficial and essential in a division with dangerous receivers like Chris Godwin, Drake London, and Adam Thielen.
However, this potential move is not without its drawbacks. The most concerning factor is Alexander’s injury history, which includes missed time over multiple seasons due to shoulder and back issues. Durability has become a legitimate question, and the Saints, who have struggled with injuries in the secondary themselves, must consider whether Alexander can stay on the field for a full season. There’s also the matter of cost. Alexander is unlikely to come cheap, and the Saints are perpetually tight against the salary cap. Committing a large chunk of financial resources to one player with health concerns might limit their ability to address other needs across the roster, such as depth on the defensive line or help at linebacker.
From a scheme standpoint, there are also factors to consider. Alexander’s skill set thrives in a man-heavy defense, which aligns with some of what the Saints have run in recent years, but the departure of key defenders could force schematic changes. If the rest of the secondary cannot hold up in man coverage, it may reduce Alexander’s overall impact. Furthermore, bringing in a strong personality and leader like Alexander could shift the locker room dynamic, for better or worse, depending on how well he meshes with the team culture and coaching staff. Fit isn’t just about X’s and O’s; it’s about chemistry, leadership, and communication, especially in a revamped defensive unit.
In conclusion, the Saints should explore the possibility of signing Jaire Alexander. With the departure of both Lattimore and Adebo, they urgently need a reliable, high-level cornerback to anchor their secondary. While the risks are real, especially related to health and finances, the potential reward could be transformational for a defense in transition. If Alexander can stay healthy and return to his Pro Bowl form, he could elevate the entire unit and help keep the Saints competitive in the NFC South. It would be a bold move, but it might be worth the gamble as New Orleans looks to rebuild its defensive identity.
