Eagles Trade for CB Jaire Alexander: What Does It Mean?

After trading for slot cornerback Michael Carter II on Wednesday, Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman was back at it again on Saturday. The Eagles traded a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for cornerback Jaire Alexander and a 2027 seventh-round pick.

The Eagles have now double-dipped at cornerback ahead of this year’s trade deadline. Philadelphia’s secondary has been tested by injuries this season and both Carter and Alexander should provide much-needed depth moving forward.

While Alexander is a former All-Pro and Pro Bowl caliber cornerback, he isn’t quite the same player anymore. Yet he could still play a role in Philadelphia’s secondary this season.

Here’s a look at how Alexander could fit in the City of Brotherly Love and what could be next for the Eagles.

Alexander the (Not So) Great

Many Eagles fans were clamoring for the team to sign Jaire Alexander once he was released by the Green Bay Packers in the offseason. Yet he opted to sign a one-year, $4 million contract with the Ravens, which obviously didn’t work out.

Despite Alexander’s impressive resume, it’s important to remember that he is no longer the same player that he was in 2022. The 28-year-old has battled several injuries and has played in just nine games over the last two seasons.

During Alexander’s two games with the Ravens in 2025, he struggled mightily. According to Pro Football Focus, Alexander allowed five receptions on five targets for 116 yards. He was also called for a defensive pass interference penalty and missed one tackle.

While some Eagles fans might have high expectations due to Alexander’s name value, the truth is that he isn’t the same player that he once was. Luckily for the Eagles, they don’t necessarily need Alexander to return to his status as an All-Pro or Pro Bowl cornerback.

Thanks to the presence of Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, Philadelphia is only looking for a solid starting outside cornerback. Alexander has been able to more than fill that role before, yet it remains to be seen if he can do so in 2025.

Who Will Be the Odd Man Out at CB?

After trading for both Carter and Alexander, Philadelphia’s cornerback room is looking awfully crowded. Once the Eagles activate Jakorian Bennett, Philadelphia will have eight cornerbacks on the 53-man roster.

It’s clear that Mitchell, DeJean, Carter, Alexander and rookie Mac McWilliams aren’t going anywhere. Therefore, it’ll likely come down to one of Bennett, Adoree’ Jackson or Kelee Ringo as the odd man out in Philadelphia.

Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio seems genuinely interested in seeing what Bennett has to offer at outside cornerback. While Fangio has seemed less than ecstatic about playing Ringo, unless due to injury, which has been the case this season.

Jackson has provided a relatively high floor as a veteran starter at outside cornerback, yet he has dealt with multiple injuries. Since Jackson doesn’t offer much on special teams, he could be the odd man out at cornerback.

My guess is that Philadelphia could shop Ringo ahead of the trade deadline, as he could offer the most value due to his age and contract. If the Eagles are unable to move Ringo, they could opt to release Jackson and possibly bring him back on the practice squad, if he doesn’t receive an opportunity elsewhere.

What’s Next for the Eagles?

Roseman clearly isn’t done dealing, as the Eagles are reportedly looking for help at edge rusher. Despite the expected returns of Nolan Smith Jr. and Brandon Graham, Philadelphia could use more help along the defensive front.

The trade market is flooded with options at edge rusher, which could help the Eagles find a favorable deal. Philadelphia is reportedly interested in Dolphins edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, who flourished in his only season under Fangio in Miami.

Bradley Chubb and Dre’Mont Jones are two veteran edge rushers that also have experience playing under Fangio. The Bengals could finally entertain offers for Trey Hendrickson and everyone knows that Roseman isn’t afraid to make a blockbuster deal.

One final name that would rank the highest on my personal list is Jets edge rusher Jermaine Johnson. The Eagles have already made one trade with New York and Joe Douglas was the general manager that drafted Johnson.

If the Eagles are willing to trade a day two pick for any of the edge rushers that are reportedly available for trade, it should be for Johnson. He is already under contract for 2026, has ties to the front office in Douglas and also played with several current Eagles players at Georgia.