Eagles Acquire Jaire Alexander: A New Beginning?

The Eagles have been active this week, trading for Jaire Alexander from the Baltimore Ravens at a minimal cost. They believe a fresh setting might rejuvenate his career, as he has struggled with performance and injuries this year. This analysis is divided into two parts since his play varies significantly between the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

Poor Performance in 2025

Alexander’s 2025 season with Baltimore was nearly nonexistent; he participated in only two games with very limited playing time before being benched. The footage from that season was concerning, as he seemed noticeably slow and ineffective.

Struggles in Early Games

Against the Bills in the first week, he had a particularly hard time. During a play against Josh Palmer, he resorted to holding, leading to a 27-yard defensive pass interference penalty. His route recognition was poor, leaving him looking unsure and hesitant. His matchup against Keon Coleman in Week 5 further revealed a decline in his athletic ability, as a misstep put him out of position.

Declining Skills

In another instance, he overshot his coverage against James Cook, failing to contain the edge, and his tackling efforts have also been questionable. Alexander appeared to be compensating for physical limitations by relying more on his hands, struggling to fit into the schemes effectively.

Reasons for Optimism Based on 2024 Film

For the Eagles, the hope lies in Alexander’s 2024 footage rather than his recent performance. When healthy last season, he performed as a competent starting cornerback, excelling primarily in outside coverage and demonstrating his effectiveness in press situations. A notable play against Marvin Harrison Jr. showcased his talent, featuring a perfect jam and a successful breakup.

Zoned Coverage Success

In 2024, he thrived in a zone-heavy scheme, demonstrating strong vision and anticipation—key attributes for the Eagles’ approach. Although he struggled in man coverage, especially against A.J. Brown, the tape from the previous season is more encouraging and suggests potential for success in a more suitable system.

The Future Outlook

Though he may not start immediately, acquiring Alexander could provide the Eagles with an experienced addition worth exploring. His previous elite status, coupled with his football IQ, gives reason to believe he could still make an impact, especially in zone coverage. If the Eagles manage to help him regain his previous form, this trade could prove beneficial in the current season. While caution is advised due to the lackluster 2025 film, there remains a chance to effectively capitalize on his talent.

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