New Orleans Saints Target Jaire Alexander to Boost Defense

News Summary

The New Orleans Saints are looking to enhance their cornerback position by pursuing Jaire Alexander, recently released by the Green Bay Packers. At 28, Alexander has shown All-Pro potential but comes with injury concerns from the last two seasons. Despite these risks, the Saints, now with approximately $30 million in cap space, are keen on making strategic moves to improve their competitiveness. This follows their previous interest in other cornerback signings, and the team is focused on making necessary roster adjustments to strengthen their defense for upcoming seasons.

New Orleans Saints Eye Jaire Alexander as Potential Free Agency Target to Strengthen Cornerback Position

The New Orleans Saints are setting their sights on bolstering their cornerback position by targeting Jaire Alexander, who was recently released by the Green Bay Packers. This potential acquisition comes as the Saints recognize their cornerback slot as a significant weakness following the team’s offseason moves aimed at competitiveness rather than rebuilding.

At 28 years old, Alexander showcases All-Pro potential and could prove to be a vital addition to the Saints’ defensive lineup. With the Saints currently holding the 13th rank in the league for available cap space, according to Over The Cap, there’s opportunity for strategic moves in free agency.

Alexander’s recent injury history is a concern, as he has only participated in 14 games over the past two seasons. However, his last fully healthy season in 2022 saw him earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. This raises the issue of whether the Saints could afford the risk involved in signing him, especially given their current young cornerback room that has not yet inspired much confidence.

The Saints have made a series of offseason moves that indicate their intention to compete within the division by 2025. They previously pursued Chavarius Ward, a former cornerback for the San Francisco 49ers, but ultimately lost him to the Indianapolis Colts. In response, the Saints selected Quincy Riley in the fourth round of the draft to help shore up their secondary needs and have also expressed interest in Asante Samuel Jr., formerly of the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Saints’ cornerback room currently features second-year player Kool-Aid McKinstry, who is expected to grow in his role. However, placing continued reliance solely on him could prove to be a substantial risk for the upcoming season.

Following the release of Alexander, the Green Bay Packers had explored trade options but decided on a clean break with the player. This could align with the Saints’ strategy of targeting players like Alexander who are in need of a chance to rebuild their market value. The Saints might pursue a short-term contract arrangement similar to the one they previously offered to edge rusher Chase Young, who was signed to a prove-it deal in 2024.

The current circumstances have left the Saints with approximately $30 million in cap space, bolstered by key player retirements, including that of quarterback Derek Carr. While adding Alexander to their roster may not guarantee a Super Bowl appearance, his signing could substantially enhance the overall performance of the defense.

If the Saints intend to entice Alexander, they may need to offer a lucrative contract that reflects the necessity of improving their cornerback position, particularly in light of how competitive the division has recently become. A prospective contract for Alexander may include protective clauses concerning injury, taking into account his previous struggles with fitness.

The New Orleans Saints are poised to make potential adjustments to their roster that could lead to meaningful improvements in their defensive capabilities. The focus on Jaire Alexander underscores their determination to strengthen their cornerback position and advance their ambitions for a successful season.

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• Sports Illustrated
• Athlon Sports
• Canal Street Chronicles
• WWLT-TV
• Google Search: Jaire Alexander