PHOENIX – After losing starting cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting for the entirety of next season, the Arizona Cardinals need to find a replacement. Rookie Will Johnson could rise to the occasion, but expecting a prospect to make the jump that quickly is unrealistic. A viable option might’ve fallen into the franchise’s lap with the Green Bay Packers releasing All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander.
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Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander against the Miami Dolphins during their football game on Sunday, November 11, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin. Syndication: PackersNews
What Alexander would bring to Cardinals:
Alexander is a two-time All-Pro and Pro Bowl cornerback that is an elite option for the Cardinals. The seven-year pro has recorded four seasons with double digit pass deflections and had a career high of five interceptions in 2022. However, the three seasons he didn’t eclipsed double digit pass deflections was because of injuries, missing 10+ games in three of the past four seasons.
In the past four years, Alexander has missed 34 out of 68 games due to various injuries. Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy discussed the decision to release Alexander on WBAY-TV and highlighted the health issue.
“He’s been a great player for us. Obviously, elite talent. Unfortunately, just injured a lot. That’s, unfortunately, a big part of our game,” Murphy said.
Nov 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) gestures to the fans before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
The 28-year-old signed a rookie extension in 2022 to give him an annual salary of $21 million, but Green Bay cut him after two years because of the baggage being worth the price tag. Alexander is still in the prime of his career and just needs an opportunity to prove he can stay healthy for a season. The Cardinals could be that team.
Arizona’s defense doesn’t have many question marks, after general manager Monti Ossenfort spent big money to improve the front seven. However, the injury to Murphy-Bunting and the lack of experience in the secondary could force Ossenfort to take a flyer on Alexander.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
