Error code: %{errorCode}
Ideal landing spots for star cornerback Jaire Alexander and veteran linebacker Germaine Pratt
Two established veterans became free agents on Monday, as the Green Bay Packers released two-time All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander, and long-time starting linebacker Germaine Pratt was let go by the Cincinnati Bengals.
Every NFL team sought to add new talent via free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft, but several still have glaring defensive needs and would benefit from the addition of proven leaders such as Alexander and Pratt.
DAZN News examines which teams should be vying for their signatures.
Jaire Alexander
Alexander has struggled to remain healthy over the last four years, missing 33 games due to shoulder, knee, groin, and back injuries.
When he was fit enough to suit up, Alexander played at an elite level. In 78 games, he has produced 70 pass breakups and 12 interceptions. He has held opposing quarterbacks to a 57.8% completion rate throughout his career and limited them to a QB rating of 87 or lower in five of his seven seasons.
Speaking about Alexander's release, Packers CEO Mark Murphy summed up Alexander's contributions and shortcomings.
The Packers wanted to trade Alexander, but any team acquiring the cornerback would have been on the hook for his $16.15 base salary in 2025 - a figure that ultimately proved too much of an obstacle for others to take on.
Now Alexander is a free agent, interested teams can negotiate a salary that reflects Alexander's history of health concerns.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have been actively shopping cornerback Jalen Ramsey since April when general manager Chris Grier stated, "It was in the best interest of the Miami Dolphins and Jalen Ramsey" to part ways.
Whether Ramsey leaves or not, the Dolphins secondary desperately needs an infusion of talent after the departure of Kendall Fuller, Jevon Holland, and Jordan Poyer.
Baltimore Ravens
Reports about the Ravens' secondary struggles have been exaggerated. Granted, they allowed the second-highest passing yards in 2024, but they also faced the third-highest number of passing attempts.
With that said, signing Alexander would elevate the team's secondary, presenting a significant upgrade over Chidobe Awuzie, who was brought in to mitigate the departure of Brandon Stephens.
Pairing Alexander with Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, Kyle Hamilton, and rookie Malaki Starks would give Baltimore a fearsome secondary primed to help the team contend for a Super Bowl.
Other potential landing spots: Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Chargers, or Los Angeles Rams.
The Eagles have an abundance of talent in the secondary, but after moving on from Darius Slay, they lack leadership at cornerback. A healthy Alexander would significantly boost their chances of achieving back-to-back Super Bowl titles.
The Chargers have long needed cornerback help. Rookie Tarheeb Still impressed last year, but there is little else behind him.
Alexander would immediately become the most talented member of a Rams' cornerback group that struggled last season. Quintin Lake had a breakout year as the designated slot defensive back, but Darious Williams and Akhello Witherspoon could be the Achilles heel for a team with postseason aspirations.
Germaine Pratt
Pratt was voted a team captain for the Bengals in 2024 and finished the season ranked eighth among all linebackers with 143 tackles.
The writing was on the wall for the veteran, as he was set to enter the final year of his contract and requested a trade in February, months before Cincinnati selected two potential successors in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The 29-year-old endured his struggles in pass coverage last year, but will always have a special place in the hearts of Bengals fans after delivering in clutch moments.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts let E.J. Speed leave in free agency, creating a void at linebacker alongside long-time starter Zaire Franklin.
2024 fifth-round pick Jaylon Carlies has been a trendy choice to inherit Speed's role after impressing in limited action last year. However, Carlies is still a relative unknown, having played only 242 defensive snaps in 10 games so far in his young career.
Inking Pratt to a short deal would reunite him with his former Bengals' defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo, providing the Colts with an established presence and more time to determine if Carlies is ready to shoulder a more significant workload.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams parted ways with Christian Rozeboom in free agency after he led the team's linebackers in snaps last year.
Undrafted free agent Omar Speights impressed in run defense during his rookie campaign and could take a second-year leap. General manager Les Snead also brought in Nate Landman, re-signed Troy Reeder and drafted rookie Chris Paul Jr. to provide depth.
Nevertheless, the Rams' linebacker group remains underwhelming, and Pratt would help them fortify the position.
Other potential landing spots: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills, or Baltimore Ravens.
The Buccaneers have a talented but aging veteran in Lavonte David and a group of question marks behind him.
The Bills signed Terrel Bernard to be a starter and have Matt Milano back after he lost most of 2024 with an injury. With that said, Milano was a shadow of his former self after returning, and none of the young linebackers on the roster have proven they have what it takes. The signing of Shaq Thompson makes Buffalo a less ideal landing spot than other teams mentioned here.
In Roquan Smith, the Ravens have arguably the best linebacker in the NFL. Trenton Simpson, however, has failed to become the player they envisaged.
