Packers Should Consider Signing 'Playmaking' 25-Year-Old CB to Replace Jaire Alexander 1 Sep 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (26) tackles Carolina Panthers defensive end LaBryan Ray (93) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Packers Should Consider Signing ‘Playmaking’ 25-Year-Old CB to Replace Jaire Alexander

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 4:38 PM ET

Despite Jaire Alexander’s limited availability in recent seasons, releasing the former All-Pro cornerback creates a significant void in the Green Bay Packers’ secondary that the front office has yet to adequately address.

At one point this spring, the Packers even trotted wide receiver Bo Melton out onto the practice field to take reps at cornerback, in Alexander’s absence.

Against that backdrop, it almost doesn’t matter that Alexander was limited to appearing in seven games apiece over the past two seasons.

However, there might be an answer to the Packers’ need at corner, a position with an outsized impact in coordinator Jeff Hafley’s scheme, who could wind up as an upgrade over what Green Bay had been getting from Alexander the past two seasons.

Asante Samuel Jr. is Perfect Fit for Packers

If the Packers are looking to add another cornerback, after signing Nate Hobbs early in free agency, 25-year-old Asante Samuel Jr. could be an ideal fit for Hafley’s system and to provide playmaking upside in the secondary.

ESPN’s Matt Bowen lists Samuel Jr. as the No. 3 ranked remaining free agent.

“Samuel has a playmaking mentality at cornerback,” Bowen writes for ESPN. “With the foot quickness and sudden closing speed to break on the ball. A shoulder injury limited Samuel to four games last season, but he has six interceptions and 26 pass breakups in his four years with the Chargers.”

Back in 2023, opposing quarterbacks only had an 87.3 passer rating when throwing Samuel’s direction, and opposing receivers averaged just under 11 yards per reception on those routes, according to Pro Football Focus.

Signing a cornerback with Samuel’s traits to an affordable, prove-it type of deal could be the kind of move that alters the trajectory of the entire defense.

Packers Should Consider Signing 'Playmaking' 25-Year-Old CB to Replace Jaire Alexander 2 Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (26) in called for pass interference on a throw to Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (13) during their football game Sunday, November 19, 2023, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Chargers 23-20.Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: