The Philadelphia Eagles were hit with a bombshell on Tuesday night with the news that corner Jaire Alexander was walking away from the game. FOX NFL insider Jay Glazer reported that the defender would take time away to evaluate his future and focus on getting physically and mentally healthy. This is obviously information that would've been ideal to come out before the Eagles added the defender ahead of this year's trade deadline.
With that said, everything off the field is obviously far more important, and Alexander's decision should be supported and respected. But that can coexist with it also being an impactful move for the Eagles from a football perspective, and a frustrating one at that.
But Alexander walking away before playing a game does potentially solve one problem for the Eagles. There was speculation about how the roster was going to open a roster spot for cornerback Jakorian Bennett, who is designated to return from IR. Speculation went far enough to point to underwhelming playmaker A.J. Dillon as a likely roster cut to open room for Bennett. But if Alexander ends up removed from the active roster, that's the obvious spot for Bennett to take.
Jaire Alexander Uncertainty Eased by Potential Jakorian Bennett Return
In no way is this to suggest that Alexander's seeming retirement is working in Philly's favor, but simply pointing out one potential silver lining. There is always the chance as well that Alexander returns to the team as he remains under contract for the rest of the 2025 season. While the franchise cannot rely on any contributions from a player appearing to be on the verge of retirement, it cannot be entirely ruled out.
Regardless, this does clarify the current Philly roster and gives a clear path forward at the corner position. Adoree' Jackson may finally be rounding into form, and adding Bennett back into the mix with Ringo in a depth role at least brings some flexibility back to the position, especially with Michael Carter in town now. It's also not like Alexander was guaranteed to be an upgrade, considering how his play has looked in 2025. Pro Football Focus grades don't tell the whole story, but you won't find many Ravens fans who don't agree that he didn't look right when he was on the field:
Player | Coverage Snaps | Coverage Grade |
|---|---|---|
Kelee Ringo | 159 | 56.4 |
Adoree' Jackson | 164 | 49.6 |
Jaire Alexander | 43 | 31.0 |
Jakorian Bennett | 21 | 29.4 |
Making the current situation a bit more encouraging as well is the fact that Philly's defense is coming off a dominating performance against a talented Green Bay offense. The Packers were held scoreless until the game's final frame and clearly had no answers for Vic Fangio's unit.
This appeared to be the defense Philly fans watched turn in a dominant Super Bowl run. Seeing this level of play without Alexander on the field against one of the league's most talented offenses is telling. As frustrating as it might be to lose the trade deadline addition, this is a roster that still has all of the needed pieces in place.
It isn't time to panic, and one of the few bright sides is the ability to bring back Bennett from a pectoral injury that has hampered the corner since Week 3. No question, it is a frustrating story, but not one that should shake the faith of a roster that remains the league's most talented team.