49ers Have Another Strong Reason to Avoid Jaire Alexander
Cornerback Jaire Alexander, a two-time Pro Bowler, was recently released by the Green Bay Packers and has since been linked to the San Francisco 49ers. However, the 49ers would be wise to pass on the veteran defender.
Although San Francisco may be looking to bolster its secondary following the departure of Charvarius Ward to the Colts, they’re not desperate. Rookie Upton Stout, selected in the third round, is expected to start at nickel corner, shifting Deommodore Lenoir to the outside opposite second-year player Renardo Green.
This isn’t a developmental move — the 49ers plan to start Stout right away.
More importantly, Alexander’s injury history is a major red flag. Despite his talent, he’s struggled to stay on the field. He’s only played in seven games each of the last two seasons and just four games in 2021. His recurring injuries even led Packers president Mark Murphy to remark that the team had essentially grown used to playing without him.
While some analysts, like CBS Sports’ Jared Dubin, believe the 49ers could be a landing spot due to their cap space and need at corner, the bigger picture makes this unlikely. After a 2024 season marred by injuries, San Francisco is focused on getting younger, healthier, and more cost-effective.
Signing an often-injured veteran like Alexander, who would likely command a significant salary, doesn’t align with that strategy. The 49ers are expected to pass on this opportunity.
