The Philadelphia Eagles made two exciting moves ahead of the deadline, bringing in pass rusher Jaelan Phillips and cornerback Jaire Alexander. There was a time when Alexander was considered on a path to establishing himself as one of the league's best corners. However, a long line of injuries with the Green Bay Packers derailed his career and landed the veteran with the Baltimore Ravens post-knee surgery. It was clear that the Ravens didn't have a lot of faith in the corner despite the impressive resume.
It was something that Alexander wasted zero time addressing with WIP's Eliot Shorr-Parks. The corner made it clear that it wasn't a physical concern in Baltimore, but the Ravens wanted to focus on youth and getting their younger pieces on the field, taking away any level of concern that Eagles fans might have about his health.
Furthering this was a report from NBC's John Clark, where Alexander made it known this is the best he has felt since undergoing knee surgery and the best he's ever felt including his time in Baltimore. It gives Eagles fans all the more reason for confidence and excitement about the defensive back's potential ceiling.
Jaire Alexander Quiets Eagles Concerns with Exciting Report After First Practice
This is exactly what Philly fans were hoping for. It isn't as if the franchise is asking the corner to step in and be a star at the position. All the Eagles need is to find a capable third corner after consistent failures from Adoree' Jackson and Kelee Ringo. As long as Alexander is able to stay healthy, it is impossible to envision the star as anything but an upgrade.
Health has been the biggest roadblock to the corner's career with a concussion, shoulder injuries, and knee surgery all impacting the last years of his career. It makes it clear that all Philly fans needed to hear was a level of assurance that Alexander was healthy and ready to get on the field.
Not only was this the case, but the explanation as to why the defender wasn't on the field in Baltimore only furthers the excitement around the move. It wasn't a decision based on health concerns or the knee still having questions after the surgery. The Ravens simply wanted to go with younger options, and this opened the door for a healthy Alexander to land with the Eagles.
Now, with the pass rush and secondary reinforced, it is difficult to form any coherent arguments against Philly being the favorites in the NFC. All the needed pieces are now in place and the team simply needs a bit of injury luck and better execution down the stretch to have a chance to go back-to-back.