The Pittsburgh Steelers could be in the mix for Jaire Alexander. The Green Bay Packers cornerback, a two-time All-Pro, has been involved in trade conversations lately.
According to odds posted by sportsbetting.ag, the Steelers are tied for having the fourth-best odds to acquire. Pittsburgh and the Los Angeles Chargers are marked as having 8-to-1 chances. The Buffalo Bills (4/1), Baltimore Ravens (5/1), and Washington Commanders (6/1) are ahead of them on that list.
The Steelers still trust in former second-round pick Joey Porter Jr., but need to find someone to station opposite him on the field.
Why would Alexander be available to Steelers?
Alexander was drafted No. 18 overall in 2018. He signed a four-year, $84 million contract in May 2022 that, at the time, made him the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history. He rewarded the Packers for that trust with a Pro Bowl season that included a career-best five interceptions.
Since then, however, he’s dealt with injuries and played in only 14 games for Green Bay. He has two years remaining on that deal, but no money is promised. Despite only playing half of last season, Alexander had a pair of interceptions and seven passes defended.
“There have been strong indications since last season that Alexander’s time in Green Bay could be over,” ESPN’s Rob Demovsky wrote Wednesday. “Multiple team sources have privately expressed their frustration with Alexander’s inability to stay healthy and/or play through injuries.”
Having “nothing good to say,” Alexander passed on talking to reporters on the team’s last day of media availability. He added that he’s unclear on his future with the Packers.
Whether the Steelers are willing to trade for an injury-prone coverman for the second offseason in a row is to be determined. Donte Jackson nursed different ailments throughout last season. Jackson still had five picks during his first season with the Steelers.