The NFL was hit with the latest flurry of roster moves before mandatory minicamps, including several notable veteran cuts. Perhaps the most significant among those is former Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander.
Alexander spent his entire seven-year career with the Packers but was limited to only seven games in each of the past two seasons due to injuries. Green Bay had been actively trying to find a trade partner for him before his release. After nobody came forward, they went their separate ways with the two-time Pro Bowler.
Now, Alexander has hit the open market. Could the Washington Commanders be a suitor?
Jaire Alexander could be worth a shot with Commanders, but only at the right price
On first thought, the logical viewpoint is that Washington should leave Alexander alone because the team's cornerback room is already crowded. Mike Sainristil will look to build off of a rookie season in which he got better and better by the week. Marshon Lattimore is a major investment following his acquisition at the trade deadline last season.
After dealing with a recurring hamstring issue throughout 2024, the hope is that Lattimore can return to his Pro Bowl form with a full offseason to get healthy and acclimate himself to Joe Whitt Jr.'s defense. The Commanders also selected Trey Amos in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft and signed veteran Jonathan Jones.
Needless to say, it would be hard to find a role for Alexander. Given that Washington already has one high-priced corner in Lattimore, it doesn't need a second one who may be more name than player at this stage of his career.
Considering the question marks surrounding the Commanders' cornerback room aside from Sainristil, that also makes the one-time Louisville Cardinal an intriguing option if the price is right.
Lattimore's health and age are legitimate concerns. Amos might not be ready to step into a significant role just yet. Jones was brought in to be a backup. Alexander, provided he can stay on the field, could still be productive. Last season, his Pro Football Focus grade of 75.2 ranked him 25th out of 222 eligible cornerbacks.
There is also one other factor that should grab Washington's attention. If Adam Peters doesn't make a run at the former first-round pick, he might end up in the hands of the last team the Commanders should want him on.
The Eagles have been named as an ideal landing spot for his services. That would be something else the Commanders need to consider, but it won't sway things much one way or another.
As long as the price is reasonable, Washington should at least take a look at Alexander. They might not be getting an All-Pro, but he'd provide some short-term insurance.
Better yet, he wouldn't be able to hurt the Commanders on a division rival.
More Commanders news and analysis