As the Green Bay Packers continue shaping their roster around rising quarterback Jordan Love, questions remain on the defensive side – especially when it comes to star cornerback Jaire Alexander.
With uncertainty swirling around his future in Green Bay, ESPN’s Matt Bowen has suggested a trade destination that makes perfect sense: the Los Angeles Chargers.
“The Chargers signed Donte Jackson to a two-year deal and Benjamin St-Juste to a one-year contract this offseason. However, if Alexander is available in a trade, he would be seen as an upgrade in Jesse Minter’s defensive system,” Bowen wrote.
Alexander, a two-time Pro Bowler, could provide immediate value in a Chargers secondary that leans heavily on zone coverage. Bowen explained why the pairing makes strategic sense.
“The Chargers are zone heavy, playing both single-high Cover 3 and split-safety schemes. Alexander has the play instincts and foot quickness to match routes, and his transition speed allows him to make plays on the ball. Alexander has intercepted 12 passes and broken up 57 in his career,” Bowen added.
While trade speculation heats up, the Packers aren’t tipping their hand. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley was deliberately vague when asked about Alexander’s status during offseason workouts.
“I think we’ll leave that one up to see what happens rather than talk in any hypotheticals, to answer that fairly,” Hafley said.
“Whenever everything pans out and we figure out who’s here, we will do the very best we can to put them in great positions (for making) plays. And when I find out, we’ll do that.”
Green Bay currently features a cornerback group that includes Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, and recent addition Nate Hobbs, who brings versatility as both a slot and boundary defender.
“We’re going to have him do both,” Hafley said. “When you’re getting ready for free agency and you’re evaluating tape, it’s one thing that you love about him. He’s had a lot of success inside, and I thought his tape outside was equally as good.
“He is competitive, he’s tough, he is physical, he plays the game fast, you can tell he loves it. It just jumps off the tape.
“I don’t know if you guys watched any of it, but it certainly jumps off the tape the way the guy plays. And he’s been a great addition, and he does give you that versatility where you can move him around – and again, I’m a big fan of that.”
Still, any potential Alexander trade is likely to be driven more by finances than fit. According to Lombardi Ave, the 28-year-old has been reluctant to renegotiate his hefty contract.
“The problem with this is Alexander has not been willing to take a pay cut. At least until recently, if rumors are to be believed,” Kris Burke wrote.
“His swagger and self-confidence are two qualities that have endeared Alexander to the fans, but they don’t necessarily always pay off at the negotiating table. It would appear his camp is coming to terms with that.”
Alexander signed a four-year, $84 million extension with the Packers in 2022, but after missing time with injuries and an internal team suspension in 2024, his long-term role in Green Bay seems less certain.
If the Chargers decide to pounce, they could land a cornerback still in his prime – and one that fits seamlessly into their scheme.
Whether the Packers pull the trigger on such a move remains to be seen, but it’s a scenario gaining traction as both teams prepare for the 2025 season.
What are your thoughts on Green Bay potentially shipping Alexander out of town???
