Just like all NFL fans do when a high profile player becomes available they try to make a case for why their team should sign or trade for that player, and it’s no different with Atlanta Falcons fans after the Green Bay Packers released two-time Pro Bowl and two-team second team All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander. However, earlier today The Morning Shift explained why the Falcons should only sign Alexander if he's willing to take the vet minimum.
Beau Morgan says he would be okay with Atlanta signing the 28 year old corner “If he wants to sign for the vet minimum with incentives” because those incentives would count towards next year’s cap when Kirk Cousins is off the Falcons’ books and then the team “can afford to do that”.
The main reason the Packers released Alexander and couldn’t trade him wasn’t because he doesn’t have talent or skill anymore, but because of Jaire’s injury concerns. Since 2021, Alexander has played in just 34 of 68 possible games. He's played more than seven games in a season just once during that span.
The former 18th overall pick is still one of the best corners in the NFL when healthy, but he just hasn’t been healthy, and we all know the best ability is availability, and it would be malpractice if General Manager Terry Fontenot and the Falcons gave the former Packer a long term deal without knowing if Alexander still has the ability to play and get through the majority of a 18 week season.