From Free Agents to Draft Gems: 7 Game-Changers to Replace Jaire Alexander!

As the Green Bay Packers entertain the idea of trading away star cornerback Jaire Alexander, speculation is ramping up about how they will replace him. Alexander has been a cornerstone of the Packers’ defense, but if the team decides to move on, finding a suitable replacement will be no easy task.

Though Green Bay reached the playoffs with Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine stepping up as perimeter cornerbacks, they were exposed by some of the league’s best offenses. With the 2025 season bringing challenging matchups against quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts, Joe Burrow, and Lamar Jackson, it’s clear the Packers need a dynamic playmaker to shore up their secondary. Here are seven potential replacements, ranging from free agents to draft prospects, who could be key pieces for the Packers in the near future.

Free Agency: Paulson Adebo, New Orleans Saints

A third-round pick in 2021, Paulson Adebo has proven himself as a ball hawk with 10 career interceptions across 52 games. Adebo is a high-upside option who had a stellar 2023, recording four interceptions and 18 passes defensed before suffering a season-ending leg injury in 2024. At 6-foot-1 and with 4.45 speed, Adebo brings both physicality and speed to the table. His ability to lock down receivers, as seen in his interception of Aaron Rodgers in his debut, would make him a valuable asset to the Packers’ defense.

Free Agency: Charvarius Ward, San Francisco 49ers

At 6-foot-5/8, Charvarius Ward would add necessary size to the Packers’ secondary. Though Ward struggled in 2024, registering zero interceptions and only seven passes defensed, his previous years were exceptional, including leading the NFL with 23 passes defensed in 2023. Ward’s experience in the 49ers’ Cover-3 scheme aligns well with Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s vision. His consistent history of limiting catch rates (51.5% career rate) makes him an intriguing option for Green Bay.

Free Agency: Byron Murphy, Minnesota Vikings

Byron Murphy is coming off an impressive 2024 season, earning Pro Bowl honors with six interceptions. The 5-foot-11 cornerback has demonstrated his ability to thrive in a disruptive defense, capitalizing on the chaos created by defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Murphy’s experience as both an outside corner and a slot defender, along with his ability to keep opposing quarterbacks under pressure, makes him a versatile addition to the Packers’ secondary. His catch rate allowed in 2024 was a solid 59%, showcasing his ability to contain receivers.

Free Agency: Asante Samuel Jr., Los Angeles Chargers

Asante Samuel Jr. was initially projected as a first-round talent in 2021, and though he fell to the second round, he quickly made an impact for the Chargers. With 4 interceptions and 24 passes defensed in his first three seasons, Samuel has the potential to be a top-tier cornerback. However, a shoulder injury sidelined most of his 2024 season, which raises questions about his durability. Standing at 5-foot-10, Samuel may be undersized for Green Bay’s typical corner, but his ball skills and competitive nature would fit well with the Packers’ aggressive defense.

Draft: Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame

Considered one of the best zone-coverage corners in the draft, Benjamin Morrison is a potential first-round pick if his medicals check out. Morrison missed the second half of his 2024 season due to a hip injury, but in the previous seasons, he consistently allowed less than a 50% completion rate and picked off nine passes over two years. At 6-foot and 190 pounds, Morrison has solid size and the ability to read quarterbacks, making him a promising option to fill the void left by Alexander.

Draft: Shavon Revel, East Carolina

Shavon Revel’s stock is complicated by his recovery from an ACL injury that ended his senior season early, but reports indicate he’s on track for a full recovery by summer. Revel’s 2023 performance in zone coverage, where he allowed just a 44.2% catch rate, shows his potential as a shut-down corner. At 6-foot-2, Revel offers a different physical profile compared to most corners on the Packers’ roster. If healthy, he could be an intriguing developmental prospect.

Draft: Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky

Maxwell Hairston had a breakout year in 2023, leading the SEC with five interceptions and two pick-sixes. Although he missed several games in 2024 due to a shoulder injury, Hairston’s ball skills and playmaking ability were on full display the year before. Standing 5-foot-11 and 179 pounds, Hairston is a solid, well-rounded corner, though he will need to continue developing his skills to handle the physicality of the NFL. His 2023 performance shows he can step up in high-pressure situations, which would be invaluable for the Packers.

Replacing Jaire Alexander is no small task, but these seven players—whether via free agency or the draft—represent a variety of options for the Packers to explore. Whether they look to bolster their defense with a proven veteran or gamble on the upside of a draft prospect, the Packers must act quickly to ensure their defense remains competitive in a rapidly evolving NFC.