Jaire Alexander. Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

49ers should avoid signing former Packers CB Jaire Alexander

By Sterling Bennett | Last updated Jun 9, 2025 3:00 PM ET

The San Francisco 49ers' Super Bowl window is still open, and the front office is indicating it is willing to spend to keep it that way.

After signing Brock Purdy, Fred Warner and George Kittle, the 49ers struck a trade for edge-rusher Bryce Huff to shore up their defensive line. While San Francisco looks far more prepared for another playoff run than it did one year ago, the secondary harbors much more uncertainty.

Starting safeties Malik Mustapha and Ji’Ayir Brown are currently sidelined following offseason surgery. Although hopes are high for Renardo Green’s second year, the only guaranteed piece in the cornerback room is Deommodore Lenoir, and the third cornerback spot is up for grabs.

The lack of depth behind Lenoir leaves room to question if the 49ers should entertain signing former Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander after being granted his release on Monday.

The #Packers are releasing star CB Jaire Alexander today, sources say. pic.twitter.com/62YSryGYE4
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 9, 2025

The optics of adding Alexander to the room look great. He is a two-time Pro Bowler and has never had a Pro Football Focus coverage grade below 75 outside of his rookie season.

Alexander’s 12 career interceptions would fit into defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s "all gas, no brakes" style of defense. It also helps that Saleh spent time in Green Bay last season as an assistant to head coach Matt LaFleur, providing familiarity to Alexander.

So, why should San Francisco avoid signing Alexander?

The 49ers purged their roster of overpaid, aging, often-injured and underperforming players this offseason. Watching Talanoa Hufanga, Aaron Banks and Dre Greenlaw leave in free agency and outright cutting Leonard Floyd and Maliek Collins, San Francisco hit the retool button harder than ever.

Alexander has also missed significant time over the last four seasons. Playing in 34 of a possible 68 games, Alexander has battled multiple lower-body injuries. While it remains to be seen if the ailments will slow him down, as the former first-round pick enters his eighth career season, it is hard to ignore the risk.

Alexander may not be asking for a large contract, considering his history. Still, San Francisco might be better off allowing Tre Brown, Darrell Luter Jr. and rookie Upton Stout to prove themselves before paying any price for Alexander.

Sterling Bennett

Sterling Bennett is a seasoned sports journalist and writer, specializing in in-depth coverage of the NFL and San Francisco 49ers. With over half a decade of experience in sports media, Sterling combines insider knowledge, sharp analysis, and a passionate voice to deliver engaging content that resonates with fans. His work is known for its clarity, credibility, and ability to break down complex football narratives into compelling stories

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