Despite a relatively quiet offseason, the Los Angeles Chargers still have time to make a franchise-shifting move, and one may have just landed in their lap.
Two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander, released by the Green Bay Packers after trade talks stalled, now finds himself a free agent. While some teams may shy away due to his recent injury history and hefty contract demands, ESPN’s Matt Bowen makes a compelling case: Alexander might be the perfect fit for Jesse Minter’s zone-heavy defense in Los Angeles.
The Chargers, after signing Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste, have already added experience to their secondary. But both moves come with question marks. Jackson has been inconsistent, and St-Juste’s play in Washington led to his exit being celebrated. In contrast, Alexander, even while limited to 14 games over the past two seasons, has consistently shown top-tier instincts and ball skills—skills that make him a potential difference-maker in a division filled with elite wideouts.
The Chargers Could Add A High-End Veteran To The Defensive Backfield
Alexander has 12 career interceptions and 57 pass breakups. His ability to diagnose plays and disrupt passing lanes fits seamlessly into the Chargers’ Cover 3 and split-safety looks. The stylistic match is reminiscent of another former Packer—Casey Hayward Jr.—who thrived in a similar system after joining L.A.
Despite durability concerns—he’s played just 34 of 68 games since 2021—Alexander is only 28 and, when healthy, remains one of the league’s premier cover corners.
There’s also financial logic. The Chargers have over $26 million in cap space and can free up more by extending Rashawn Slater. With several large contracts off the books and the most projected cap space in 2026, Los Angeles is in a rare position of flexibility.
Alexander’s situation mirrors a classic “buy low” opportunity. Injuries have tempered his market, and a prove-it deal on a contender may be more realistic than a long-term megadeal. For the Chargers, adding a player of his caliber—without mortgaging the future—could ignite a defense that already includes rising sophomores Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still, alongside All-Pro safety Derwin James.
This isn’t just about plugging a hole. It’s about identity. Jim Harbaugh wants a defense with swagger and grit—traits Alexander has in abundance. If the goal is to truly contend in 2025, this is the kind of bold, calculated risk that could pay off in January.
The door is open. Now it’s on Joe Hortiz and the Chargers to decide if they’re ready to walk through it.
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