After being released by the Packers, Jaire Alexander should not be on the Lions’ radar.
The NFL offseason is a period often brimming with speculation, rumors, and debates about roster decisions that can redefine franchises for years to come. One such discussion that has made waves in recent weeks is the release of Jaire Alexander by the Green Bay Packers. The decision was a surprise to many, given Alexander’s once-elite status as one of the league’s premier cornerbacks. In the wake of his release, some fans and analysts have floated the Detroit Lions as a potential landing spot for the former All-Pro. But while the idea might make sense on the surface, a deeper dive into Alexander’s recent trajectory, the Lions’ current roster composition, and organizational philosophy reveals why Detroit should steer clear of this particular move.
Jaire Alexander’s early career was marked by exceptional play. Drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Louisville, he quickly ascended to the upper echelon of NFL cornerbacks. With an aggressive style, quick feet, and an uncanny ability to shadow top receivers, Alexander was a lockdown presence that gave Green Bay’s defense an edge. By 2020, he was widely considered one of the top shutdown corners in the league, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors and solidifying his place among the best at his position. However, the seasons that followed were marked by a sharp decline, both in availability and performance.
Injuries have plagued Alexander since his standout campaign. Shoulder issues, lingering soft-tissue problems, and inconsistent recovery times have severely limited his availability. Since 2021, he has missed significant stretches of multiple seasons, eroding his ability to stay on the field consistently. And while talent is crucial in the NFL, the league values reliability just as much—if not more. Teams cannot afford to build their defensive strategies around players who may not be available when it matters most, and Alexander has increasingly become that kind of liability. The Detroit Lions, a team with growing aspirations of postseason success and long-term roster stability, should be particularly wary of adding such a volatile piece to their puzzle.
Beyond health concerns, Alexander’s on-field performance when active has also taken a downturn. The explosiveness that once defined his play has dulled. He’s shown signs of diminished foot speed, occasional lapses in coverage discipline, and a noticeable drop in physicality when engaging with top-tier wide receivers. While these might be subtle to casual observers, they are glaring red flags for professional evaluators. In a league where a split-second misjudgment can lead to a game-changing play, cornerbacks must operate with elite precision. Alexander, in his current form, does not represent that level of play.
But perhaps most damning for his candidacy in Detroit is the apparent shift in Alexander’s demeanor and leadership approach. There have been reports of friction within the Packers’ locker room, including questions about his commitment, effort, and attitude. For a franchise like the Lions that has carefully cultivated a culture of toughness, accountability, and team-first mentality under head coach Dan Campbell, introducing a player with a potentially disruptive personality would be a step backward. Campbell’s Lions have become known for their blue-collar ethos, where every player is expected to earn their spot and contribute selflessly. Alexander’s recent behavior suggests he may not align with that philosophy.
Detroit is also no longer a team in desperate need of stopgap solutions or splashy signings to generate headlines. The franchise has built steadily through the draft, smart trades, and strategic free-agent acquisitions. They boast a young, ascending defense led by names like Aidan Hutchinson and Brian Branch. The secondary, while still a work in progress, has shown signs of becoming a cohesive unit. The addition of Cam Sutton and the development of players like Jerry Jacobs and Ifeatu Melifonwu demonstrate that Detroit is already investing wisely in its defensive backfield. Rather than bringing in a high-risk, potentially high-maintenance veteran like Alexander, the Lions would be better served continuing to develop their existing talent or targeting younger, more malleable players who fit their long-term vision.
From a financial standpoint, signing Jaire Alexander could also be problematic. While he will be a free agent following his release, he will almost certainly demand a sizable contract, possibly banking on his past accolades and perceived upside. The Lions, while in a healthier cap situation than in years past, need to be judicious with their resources. They have a franchise quarterback in Jared Goff to pay, a rapidly ascending wide receiver in Amon-Ra St. Brown, and other cornerstone players who will soon command major extensions. Committing cap space to a declining player with questionable reliability is not a responsible use of their financial flexibility. It’s the kind of move that can limit a team’s ability to make crucial improvements elsewhere on the roster.
Then there’s the matter of fit. Jaire Alexander’s skill set was honed in a scheme that allowed him to play a mix of man and zone coverage with freedom to freelance and take calculated risks. Detroit’s defense under coordinator Aaron Glenn demands discipline, communication, and trust. It’s a system that rewards structure over flash and relies on all eleven defenders being in sync. Players who deviate from assignments or attempt to improvise too often can create breakdowns that the scheme is not designed to handle. Alexander’s tendency to freelance, which was once an asset in Green Bay’s more permissive system, could become a liability in Detroit.
The Lions should also consider the message they would send by pursuing a player like Alexander. After years of futility, Detroit is finally building a sustainable winner, and a huge part of that progress has been their ability to identify players who buy into the team’s culture. Bringing in a former rival—especially one with baggage—could disrupt the locker room harmony that’s been so painstakingly established. There’s a reason teams that make sustained playoff runs often emphasize character and cohesion as much as talent. Chemistry matters, especially in a league as competitive and parity-driven as the NFL. The Lions can’t afford to jeopardize that for a name whose best days may already be behind him.
Moreover, the history of former Packers joining the Lions is not a glowing one. While rivalries in the NFL are often fluid and players switch teams all the time, there’s an added layer of scrutiny when a player crosses divisional lines. Expectations rise, and every mistake is magnified. If Alexander were to struggle in Detroit, it wouldn’t just be a failed signing—it would be a media circus, a distraction, and a constant talking point. That kind of pressure benefits no one, especially not a team still solidifying its identity as a contender. The Lions are no longer rebuilding; they are recalibrating for postseason success. Every move must reflect that intention.
It’s also worth noting that the cornerback market is deep, both in free agency and in the draft. If Detroit feels the need to bolster their secondary, there are younger, cheaper, and more adaptable players available. Some may lack Alexander’s name recognition, but they bring fewer risks and could be more easily molded into the team’s system. Smart front offices recognize that success is often about fit and timing rather than marquee value. Detroit has shown signs of becoming such an organization and making a play for Jaire Alexander would run counter to that growth.
Jaire Alexander’s release by the Packers does not mean he is devoid of value. In the right situation—perhaps with a veteran-laden team that needs a depth piece and can absorb some volatility—he may yet find a second wind in his career. But the Detroit Lions are not that team. They are too close to contention, too invested in a specific vision, and too careful with their cultural alignment to take such a gamble. Good franchises avoid making moves out of desperation or sentiment. Great franchises see beyond the resume and evaluate the full picture. Right now, that picture does not favor Alexander joining the Honolulu Blue.
Detroit fans, understandably, want the team to keep pushing the envelope and make the kinds of moves that signal Super Bowl intent. But not every big name is the right fit. Jaire Alexander was once one of the NFL’s most feared corners, but today, he’s a question mark with a long list of concerns. The Lions have come too far to invite unnecessary drama or risk into their locker room. They should thank the Packers for the intel, trust their process, and leave Jaire Alexander off their radar.
