The Houston Texans are making waves in the league as they search for a new cornerback, and Jaire Alexander could be just the player they need to bolster their secondary. Released by the Green Bay Packers this past Sunday, Alexander is an intriguing option who has already established himself as a formidable presence in the NFL.
Alexander, who has been with the Packers since 2018, earned recognition as a two-time Pro Bowler and has two second-team All-Pro selections to his name for the 2020 and 2022 seasons. His journey in the NFL has seen him accumulate impressive stats, including 241 total tackles and 12 interceptions over 78 games. Notably, he found the end zone for the first time in his NFL career last season against the Tennessee Titans, adding a new dimension to his play.
Despite his accolades, Alexander’s production has experienced some fluctuations in recent years. His 2020 season was a standout, culminating in a career-high Pro Football Focus defensive grade of 90.7. However, that number dipped to 73.4 in 2021, only for Alexander to rebound with a respectable grade of 80.3 in 2022. In his last seasons with the Packers, he logged grades of 75.9 and 75.2 in 2023 and 2024, placing him at No. 24 among 223 qualifying cornerbacks in the league for 2024.
With the Texans recently witnessing the retirement of veteran cornerback Ronald Darby—a departure that leaves a significant gap in their defensive lineup—landing Alexander could bring much-needed experience and competitive skill to the squad. Currently, the Texans have Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter slated as their starting cornerbacks. Stingley had a standout 2024 season, earning first-team All-Pro honors with 54 tackles, 18 pass deflections, and five interceptions. Meanwhile, rookie Lassiter also showcased his potential, contributing 47 tackles, three interceptions, and eight pass deflections in his debut season.
In addition to seeking out Alexander, the Texans have bolstered their roster by adding safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who played a significant role in helping the Philadelphia Eagles secure Super Bowl LIX last season, notching 59 tackles, six interceptions, and a pick-six.
The combination of Alexander’s proven track record and the Texans’ need for additional cornerback depth makes this potential acquisition a smart move. With the Texans finishing 10-7 to take the AFC South crown in 2024 and advancing past the Wild Card Round, they seem poised for further success. A strategic addition like Alexander could elevate their defensive capabilities even more, solidifying their status as a team to be reckoned with in the upcoming season.
