NFL analyst suggests the Lions sign former Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander, our thoughts

The Green Bay Packers released longtime cornerback and former All-Pro Jaire Alexander on Monday. It felt like a move that was a long time coming, as there had been rumors that the Packers had been seeking a trade partner for him. 

Packers beat writer Wendell Ferreira put a list of 10 teams he sees as the best fits for Alexander now that he's on the open market. The Lions were one of those teams. The specific reason Ferreira went with is that any NFC North team is likely to be interested in him, as this seems to happen frequently in this division. Guys play for multiple teams. Za'Darius Smith, for example, played for the Lions, Packers, and Vikings.  

Let's start here with our thoughts. Do the Lions have the money to make this move? Yes, they do. Alexander, while still 28 years old, is not going to garner a very large contract. He's missed a significant amount of time in the last four seasons. He played four games in 2021, seven in 2023, and seven in 2024. 

With that in mind, any deal he's likely to get is probably going to be a short one where the burden to prove that he can still play and not get hurt will be on him. Maybe something like a one-year deal worth $5 million. 

The next question is, do the Lions need to make this move, or should they? The answer is no. This team is pretty set at cornerback right now with Terrion Arnold, D.J. Reed, and Amik Robertson all pretty good starters. Beyond that, the Lions have Ennis Rakestraw, whom they still see big things for. 

It just doesn't make sense at this time. In 2023, I would have said to sit outside his house with a check and wait to give it to him, but right now, the move doesn't make sense. 

It wouldn't be shocking to see him wind up with the Vikings or Bears, though.