For a time, it appeared Jaire Alexander might make it back in time for the Green Bay Packers’ playoff push. He had participated in several full practices, and while he hadn’t suited up for a game, the progress seemed promising.
Alexander was eager to return, but it wasn’t meant to be. Head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that the All-Pro cornerback underwent surgery. While LaFleur hasn’t entirely ruled out a potential return this season, he acknowledged that it’s “likely” Alexander will miss the rest of the year.
The Packers have already been adapting to life without Alexander in the secondary — he’s played just 10 snaps since Week 8. Now that the slim hope of his return has faded, the question arises: will the Packers explore free agency to bring in a veteran reinforcement?
When Evan Williams is fully healthy, Javon Bullard can slide into the slot, with Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine handling the outside roles. However, without Jaire Alexander, the Packers face significant challenges in their cornerback depth.
As expected, the free-agent market doesn’t offer many standout options, but Green Bay might consider signing a veteran to bolster their secondary.
Which free-agent cornerbacks could the Packers target after Jaire Alexander’s injury?
Patrick Peterson
It’s been nearly a year since Patrick Peterson last took the field, in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 17-10 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on January 6, 2024. Now 34 years old, the eight-time Pro Bowler’s future in the NFL remains uncertain, but his performances with the Steelers and Minnesota Vikings showed he still has something to offer.
Peterson started 16 games for Pittsburgh last season, where he allowed a 59.4% completion rate and a 91.5 passer rating, per Pro Football Reference. He also tallied 11 pass breakups and two interceptions.
While Peterson may no longer perform at a Pro Bowl level, his veteran presence could bring valuable depth and experience to a Packers secondary currently leaning on Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine.
J.C. Jackson
J.C. Jackson is just three seasons removed from earning Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors with the New England Patriots, a campaign highlighted by an impressive league-leading 23 pass defenses and eight interceptions. Between 2019 and 2021, he was a dominant force, amassing 47 pass breakups and 22 interceptions.
However, Jackson’s performance has dropped sharply since signing with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2022. After struggling in L.A., he returned to the Patriots midway through last season but has since earned disappointing Pro Football Focus grades of 28.7 and 34.8 over the past two years. Jackson hasn’t played since.
Can Jackson regain his All-Pro form? Probably not. But if he can even approximate that level, he could provide a boost to the Packers’ secondary for the postseason. That said, his recent struggles make him an unlikely target for Green Bay.
Finding quality cornerbacks this late in the season is always a challenge, but if the Packers are open to signing a veteran, both Jackson and Patrick Peterson might offer some much-needed depth.
Leave a Reply