A lot of Eagles fans want every good free agent that ever hits the market, and numerous people share their reasons on social media, spread false narratives, or even say they saw the player at a local Wawa to fuel the fire. But every once in a while, there is a player who becomes available that could be a good fit and has rumors surrounding him that may prove the phrase “where there’s smoke, there’s fire” to be true. This off-season, that player is Jaire Alexander.
Eagles latest rumor
The Eagles and their Defensive Coordinator, Vic Fangio, would like to bring Jaire on a cheap, incentive-laden deal so they can utilize Cooper Dejean more creatively and keep him on the field more in base packages without having to kick him to outside corner.
What We Think We Know
When Fangio was asked about the cornerback position, specifically regarding Kelee Ringo
“He needs to learn to play the game, and that comes with reps.”
About the competition between Ringo and Adoree’ Jackson:
“It’s always hard to tell this time of year without the pads on even at that position, but I think both those guys are making good strides. They’re both into it and they know there’s a job there to be had for somebody. I think they’ve had good off seasons, both of them.”
This is very early in the process of determining who the corner will be, but this is also not a ringing endorsement that either has secured the job.
How does the Eagles’ DC want to use Cooper DeJean?
“I think he would play very well at safety. I think it suits his skillset, things that he does well. I just think he would do very well in there. We played 21 games last year. How many base snaps do you guys think we played? About 160 in total.”
Logical assumption? They want Cooper on the field more.
“We’d like to keep him at nickel, and then in our base package, we’ll find a spot for him either at corner or safety.”
Vic, regarding wanting the five best defensive backs on the team on the field at the same time:
“Well, in last year’s case, we evolved to that because once Cooper started to play very well, it got him on the field more. It was a much better fit for our edge guys. They could play nickel end instead of having to play three-four outside backer. So last year it was a good fit for where we were personnel-wise. This year that could change.”
Fangio stated they want Cooper on the field more and to stay out there in their base packages. They could prefer to use him at safety and as a nickel back, rather than as an outside corner.
“I think a lot of it will end up depending upon how the rest of the guys develop and where we most need him. So, it will be determined by what’s best for him and what’s best for the team, and probably what’s best for the team will win out in that decision. But he’s capable of playing corner and he’s capable of playing safety also.”
If the team is not convinced, Kelee or Adoree are going to be the players you put out there and set it and forget it, an addition of Jaire Alexander could make some sense as a pitch hitter if he is willing to play for a contender with a shot at winning a ring, and taking less money for one season to play with one of the best defenses in the NFL in hopes of raising his value for a higher pay day in 2026 and beyond.
Final Thoughts
The NFL is all about matchups, and having another player with the skill set of Jaire on the chessboard could be exactly what the Eagles need to fulfill their attempt to become back-to-back Super Bowl champions.
This rumor could be much ado about nothing, or it could be that Howie Roseman and the Eagles want to sign a former 2x all-pro corner who has struggled to stay healthy, and who has a lot to prove. A player who could ultimately allow them to use their shiny new toy, Cooper DeJean, more often and in ways to confuse the opposition.
As always, thank you for reading!
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