🐬 Five Reasons Why: Should the Dolphins Sign Jaire Alexander?
Welcome to Five Reasons Why, my new series breaking down five key factors behind big decisions in the world of South Florida sports. This week, we’re diving into the buzz surrounding former Packer’s cornerback Jaire Alexander, who was officially released by Green Bay today.
I once threw around the idea of a Jaylen Ramsey for Jaire Alexander trade. The Dolphins desperately need help in their secondary, and Alexander — a two-time Pro Bowler — is now on the market. But signing him isn’t a slam dunk. Let’s break down five reasons Miami should — or shouldn’t — make a move.
1. Elite Talent, Still in His Prime
When healthy, Jaire Alexander is one of the best cornerbacks in football. He’s never had a season with a coverage grade below 73.0 (via PFF), and in a limited 2024 campaign, he still posted a 78.3 grade — good for 16th among all corners.
He’s not just consistent; he’s impactful. Over seven seasons, he’s totaled 70 pass breakups, 12 INTs, and more than 280 tackles. Alexander has the rare ability to eliminate a top receiver and force quarterbacks to look elsewhere — something the Dolphins haven’t had outside of Jalen Ramsey.
At 28, he’s still young enough to be a core piece. If you’re betting on talent, you won’t find better on the market.
2. Injury Concerns Are Real — But Manageable
Here’s the catch: Alexander hasn’t played a full season since 2020. He’s dealt with shoulder, back, quad, and PCL injuries in three of the past four years. That’s a tough pill for any front office to swallow.
But here’s the context: every remaining free-agent corner comes with a red flag — whether it’s age (Stephon Gilmore, 34 going into age 35 season) or inconsistency (Asante Samuel Jr., Charvarius Ward). Alexander’s ceiling is higher than any of them. The question is whether Miami can structure a “prove it” deal that limits risk — similar to what Green Bay reportedly tried to offer him.
3. Massive Need in the Dolphins Secondary
This can’t be overstated: Miami’s cornerback room is dangerously thin. With the expected departure of Jalen Ramsey (trade), and the exit of Kendall Fuller, there are zero proven outside corners left.
Kader Kohou, Storm Duck, and Cam Smith (who barely played last season) are currently penciled in. Alexander would instantly raise the floor and ceiling of the group. And with DC Anthony Weaver eager to build a fearsome defense, Alexander could play a vital on-field and locker-room leadership role.
4. Locker Room History: Overblown or Real Issue?
Dolphins fans haven’t forgotten Alexander’s infamous “waddle-waddle” taunt after Green Bay beat Miami on Christmas Day in 2022. It rubbed fans — and maybe a few players — the wrong way.
But let’s be real: this is the NFL. Trash talk is part of the game. Jalen Ramsey and Tyreek Hill once went at it, and they’ve coexisted just fine. If Alexander can play, nobody will care about an old celebration. Winning solves everything.
5. The Ramsey Ripple Effect
This is where it gets complicated. Miami has been shopping Jalen Ramsey, but Alexander’s release could hurt that effort. Ramsey’s 2025 cap hit is over $20M. If Alexander — younger and arguably more versatile — wasn’t tradeable at $16M, what’s Ramsey’s market?
Bringing in Alexander could torpedo the last bits of leverage the Dolphins have in Ramsey talks. But not signing him, and watching him join a team like the Rams (a known Ramsey suitor), could close Miami’s window to reshape the position on the fly.
The Dolphins have to time this right — and make sure the price is low enough not to fully shut the door on their other options.
Final Verdict: Worth the Gamble, If the Deal Is Right
Miami is in one of the toughest positions when it comes to the salary cap and they can’t over commit to an injury prone guy like Alexander, but they can give him a chance.
According to Albert Breer, Green Bay offered Alexander a reduced, incentive-heavy one-year deal — and he turned it down. That tells us he’s betting on himself and might be open to the right situation over top dollar. Miami fits.
He’d walk into a starting role, mentor a young room, and play for a defense that’s hungry to make a leap under Weaver. If Chris Grier can land him on a team-friendly “prove it” contract, it’s a smart, calculated risk.
If the number climbs too high, pivot (Samuel). But there’s no question: Jaire Alexander is a rare free-agent talent at a position of need — and that makes this a door Miami should leave wide open.
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