Copyright NBC 5 Chicago
Recently acquired cornerback Jaire Alexander has informed the Eagles that he is stepping away from the team before deciding his football future, a league source confirmed to NBC Sports Philadelphia. The news on Tuesday night was first reported by Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer. Alexander, 28, was acquired by the Eagles in a late-round pick swap with the Baltimore Ravens before the NFL’s trade deadline last Tuesday. This weekend, the Eagles ruled out Alexander on Sunday with a knee/coach’s decision designation. Alexander did not travel with the team to Green Bay. The former Pro Bowler is stepping away to concentrate on getting himself right both physically and mentally, Glazer first reported. Alexander has been dealing with a knee injury all season and played in just two games with the Ravens before the trade. The Eagles on Nov. 1 acquired Alexander and a 2027 seventh-round pick from the Ravens for a 2026 sixth-round pick. Alexander has been limited to just 16 games over his last three seasons after being named to the Pro Bowl in both 2020 and 2022 with the Green Bay Packers. Just last week, Alexander told reporters in the Eagles locker room that he was feeling “really good” physically and was hoping to prove that he was still the same guy who was once a two-time Pro Bowler. “I'm just gonna bring leadership, I'm gonna bring some energy and bring some swag, you know?” Alexander said Thursday at the NovaCare Complex. “Confidence and hopefully we all can feed off one another, feed off that.” Alexander was one of three players acquired by the Eagles before the NFL’s trade deadline. The other two — OLB Jaelan Phillips and CB Michael Carter II — made their Eagles debuts against the Packers in the 10-7 win on Monday Night Football in Green Bay. While it seemed like a long shot that Alexander would be the answer to the Eagles’ struggles to find a consistent CB2, he was at least one option. On Monday night, the Eagles played veteran Adoree’ Jackson at that spot. They also have Kelee Ringo, Jakorian Bennett and the option to eventually move Cooper DeJean outside and play Carter in the slot. If Alexander decides to retire, he would be the second Eagles player to retire during the 2025 season. Last month, edge rusher Za’Darius Smith abruptly announced his retirement after playing in just five games with the Eagles.
