Former Louisville football star Jaire Alexander was released by the Green Bay Packers earlier this morning, after spending seven years with the team. He was the No. 18 overall pick back in the 2018 NFL Draft after playing for the Cardinals from 2015-2017.
Alexander was one of the best football players to run through the program, as recently as earning Second-Team All-ACC honors in 2016. The two-time All-Pro corner has struggled with injuries recently, prompting the Packers to release him after he saw just 361 snaps last season.
So, while this news is blowing up this Monday morning, here are the five top landing spots for the all-pro cornerback.
Related: Green Bay Packers look to shop former Louisville football lockdown CB
5 early favorites to land former Louisville football star Jaire Alexander
5. Miami Dolphins
A franchise that is immediately in the mix for Alexander is the Miami Dolphins. Miami is currently trying to trade their star cornerback, Jalen Ramsey, and while they attempt to do that, they will also try to replace him. Miami emerges as one of the top spots for Alexander, as he would immediately become the top cornerback for the Dolphins, and Miami would likely pay him handsomely, given their current desperation.
4. Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams will always go after the big-time superstars once they hit the free agency market, and the possibility of adding Alexander to play with Darious Williams and Ahkello Witherspoon sounds quite pleasing to Rams fans. The Rams were one of the teams interested in Jalen Ramsey once the trade rumors with the Miami Dolphins started, and it would make sense for LA to shift its focus from trying to work a trade to trying to land a free agent.
3. Dallas Cowboys
A franchise that will be linked to every superstar this offseason is the Dallas Cowboys. Jerry Jones and his franchise need to address the defensive side and receive some help in the secondary. Pairing Alexander with Trevon Diggs would immediately elevate this secondary, and it was reported earlier this offseason that the Cowboys are searching for ways to improve their defensive backs. Alexander emerges as the Cowboys' No. 1 target this offseason and is their dream target moving forward through the preseason.
2. Minnesota Vikings
There's nothing like a sweet taste of revenge, and Alexander is in prime position to go to the Packer's rival, the Minnesota Vikings. Kevin O'Connell and his Vikings have one of the best secondaries in the league, and the possibility of adding this two-time Pro Bowler to play alongside Byron Murphy, Harrison Smith, and Josh Metellus screams a nightmare scenario for the Packers. Alexander has the tools and skills to fit perfectly in the Vikings' secondary, and he would have the opportunity to play for a franchise that cut him twice a year and remind them what they could have had.
1. Philadelphia Eagles
A bold prediction, but one that makes complete sense, is the Super Bowl champs and the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles lost Darius Slay this offseason and are relying heavily on Kelee Ringo and Adoree Jackson to step up. A player like Alexander fits the Birds' style as well as the win-now mentality. The Eagles made money recently after the Bryce Huff trade, and it appears to be a perfect match if Howie Roseman can work another miracle for this franchise.
Alexander would elevate the Eagles secondary to the elite level as three elite backs would then lead them in Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, and Jaire Alexander.