Cory's Corner: Signing Alexander Was A Must
There are more than stats that offer value. Alexander is the best at what he does.
The Jaire Alexander signing had to happen.
Unfortunately, I heard plenty of people that thought otherwise.
Alexander’s four-year, $84 million extension makes him the highest-paid defensive back in the NFL at $21 million a year. Now the last thing you should be saying is that he’s overpaid because he only has five career interceptions. Because that would be about as intelligent as climbing a tree during a thunderstorm.
We all know that quarterback is the most important position on a team, followed by left tackle and either cornerback or wide receiver. It’s cornerback if your team has a top five quarterback and it’s wide receiver if your quarterback doesn’t make that cut.
Alexander doesn’t have the stats because teams don’t throw his way. They know better. And when quarterbacks make the awful decision to challenge the corner entering his fifth year, they get burned. Alexander is giving up a career passer rating of 82.4 with 35 pass breakups.
This move puts the Packers’ secondary as one of the best — if not the best — units in the game. Alexander, the up-and-coming Eric Stokes, the guy with the Mount Everest chip on his shoulder in Rasul Douglas, Adrian Amos, who isn’t afraid of doing anything on defense and Darnell Savage, who might be faster than a cheetah.
This move just proves that the Packers really want a championship in the next two years. They have the quarterback, so they are making sure everything else fits.
The defense isn’t just going to be good this year — it’s going to win this team a game or two. And with Tom Brady coming back, Matthew Stafford defending a title, Kyler Murray out to prove that he can win in the desert and Dak Prescott showing that he’s worth the money, defense does indeed matter.
And on Monday, the Packers put their money where their mouth is.
Alexander is the best cornerback in the game. He does so many things that help a defense that so many people don’t see.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has taken notice and just gave Alexander 84 million reasons why the 25-year-old will not be taken for granted.
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (37)
stockholder
May 17, 2022 at 06:28 am
I don't believe he is the best. I believe he deserved to be paid. And I believe the packers; would have wasted more draft picks finding another. But my comparison is Tramon Williams. Let's not put him in the Hall of fame yet.
Littlejim51
May 17, 2022 at 06:57 am
Remember when even Aaron Rodgers didn’t throw in the vicinity of Richard Sherman in the legion of boom days
Jaire Alexander is our version of Sherman.
With Jaire’s return and Walker playing sideline to sideline look for Adrian Amos & Savage to have big years
PackfanNY
May 17, 2022 at 08:55 am
I also think Stokes did a great job last year. For a first year player he really played well. I hope he continues to improve. This secondary could do big things if they can stay healthy.
LLCHESTY
May 17, 2022 at 02:11 pm
Why do you insist on stealing everybody's down votes? It's just rude!
NickPerry
May 17, 2022 at 07:04 am
Whether Alexander is the best CB in the NFL or in the Top 5, he DESERVED the contract he got. The Green Bay Packers are a BETTER team with Alexander on the field. He can play anywhere, outside, the slot, and he's a excellent tackler.
I was just thinking of something...This was Gutes first pick right? So Gutes first pick was Alexander. Ted's first pick was Aaron Rodgers, and Ron Wolf's first move was trading a 1st for Brett Favre. NO WONDER the Packers have been winning for over 30 years. We've had GREAT football people making excellent decisions the whole time!
Well, except for that little Mike Sherman stretch. Not a bad coach, but a HORRIBLE GM. ; )
egbertsouse
May 17, 2022 at 07:09 am
I was hoping they would trade him for a couple of high draft picks to help them rebuild when Diva bolts. Too much future cap space to tie up for an injured CB. They better design a defense where he is only a Deion Sanders cover guy and is not expected to come up and tackle big RBs or they will have $84 mil sitting in the training room for most of the season.
Coldworld
May 17, 2022 at 08:30 am
This roster is a strong one, not one with a QB and a few aging stars. In fact this team looks built to compete without Rodgers, especially in a year or two if recent draft picks gel. One doesn’t let young highly talented players go in this situation. If you have s CB that teams avoid challenging you keep him. We did and while no footballer can guarantee health, that was a wise investment in a player who should be in his prime throughout the contract. Such corners are a lot rarer than even high first round picks. If you have one you keep him.
pantz_bURp
May 17, 2022 at 09:04 am
Stone COLD facts, thanks CW! 💪👌
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
May 17, 2022 at 09:05 am
You act like he's perpetually injured or something. Prior to last year's injury, he only missed 4 games in 3 years, 3 of them coming in his rookie season. And its not like he tore up his knee or achilles or has chronic concussions. He hurt his shoulder making a tough tackle on a tough player. Its a violent sport. That kind of thing happens. I wouldnt trade him for any other db in football. I'm glad he's on our side. Not a good take man.
dobber
May 17, 2022 at 09:14 am
Yup. Contact injuries happen. They're unpredictable. Some people are never happy..."our CBs aren't physical, they don't step up in run support or give up the body to make a tackle"...then, "he shouldn't be tackling RBs or TEs because he'll get hurt."
DB is a high-attrition position. They're usually among the smallest guys on the field, asked to cover large distances, stop and start on a dime, and tackle guys with a head of steam. You need a lot of them...and proven DBs are gold.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
May 17, 2022 at 09:30 am
Bingo, Dobber. Guys with Jaire's elite traits are few and far between. I can name 20+ great receivers but can anyone name 10 great cornerbacks? Nope. That list is real short and we just locked one of them up for the prime of his career. This was easily the best move of the entire offseason imo. Was starting to worry it would never get done after seeing Adams bolt for Vegas.
pantz_bURp
May 17, 2022 at 09:47 am
Egbert, I try not to vote + or - (especially -) unless a really good point is made or one, in my opinion missed the mark so wide that I owe it to the individual to course-correct a bit. I want to throw you a bone, not so much that I agree with what you said...but you are drowning in down votes (Gladiator movie, thumbs down = death).
So, gonna send you an SOS upvote to keep ya alive...I only have 1 so here goes...Good Luck Egbert!
Swisch
May 17, 2022 at 12:56 pm
It seems I'm one of the few who basically agree with you, egbertsouse.
While it is great to have Jaire under contract for a good while, it's seems a huge risk to tie up so much money in any person.
Injuries can happen to any player, and then the question becomes how much money are we paying a guy on the sidelines or with diminished capabilities.
Even in baseball, look at Christian Yelich for the Brewers. I'm still hoping he returns to form, or somewhere close to it -- but after two superb and exhilarating seasons, he's given the Brewers two poor and frustrating ones. (He even missed the playoffs in his second superb season).
Anyway, we're all rooting for Jaire to be healthy and make it happen for the Packers and himself over the next few seasons.
PeteK
May 17, 2022 at 03:26 pm
Baseball contracts are fully guaranteed, football only a portion.
pantz_bURp
May 17, 2022 at 01:29 pm
Bakh to the Future.
I hope our young talent on the o-line can keep getting better and better while staying healthier. I really like Bakh, and no fault of his own..but, if he can't see the field soon...how long should the Packers continue to hold onto him? Just looking at the high value of shutdown corners and LTs, this isn't an easy guestimate. But, for comparison sake...if I had to choose between Bakh and J-Alex...J-Alex as it stands right now.
No man is an island? Mr. Alexander, please kindly introduce yourself to their #1 WR...
RCPackerFan
May 17, 2022 at 07:52 am
I don't watch every CB in the league down in and down out like I do with Alexander. That being said I would not take any CB over Alexander. In my very biased opinion, he is the best CB in the league.
Alexander's impact isn't just as a cover corner. He impacts the whole defense with his play. His leadership is infectious. He is one of our leaders on the team.
I am definitely happy they locked him down.
With Alexander locked in, Stokes hopefully takes a step, and Douglas playing like he did last year will give us our best trio at CB since Woodson, Williams and Shields trio. I really like our DB's.
Locking down Alexander long term was a definite must do.
Gee
May 17, 2022 at 01:03 pm
Best part is how for the first time in a while, both the front seven and back end, will play off each other. They have all the pieces on defense at every level. QB can't find an open receiver, sack, rush forces the qb to release the ball early INT.
mrtundra
May 17, 2022 at 08:02 am
I still feel we aren't that deep at CB. I think Gute may try to sign another CB, on a team friendly deal to bolster the CB room. I'd guess if GB wanted another CB, Kevin King might get a call. Although he had his troubles in zone coverage, he was pretty solid in man defense. Plus, he knows the system. On a team friendly deal, he could fit right in.
pantz_bURp
May 17, 2022 at 08:33 am
Yeah Mr.Tundra, I hear ya. I always appreciated KK and his willingness to come up and tackle...he is physical when he can keep the action in front of him.
Coldworld
May 17, 2022 at 08:40 am
We are very good across the top 3. We are unproven after that. I see they reconverted Rico Gafford back to CB, the position he played entering the league. I take that to be a possible validation of his ST potential (RB is familiar with him from their time as Raiders), but also an indication that the team accepts that this is an area where they need depth to emerge.
I wouldn’t be shocked if we see changes if Gute sees opportunities, but we may also see a jump from the likes of SJC and Ento. If Ento has learned to tackle, he has shown he can cover, which is the harder ability to find. Gafford and others are less known, but a CB with shields type speed is a nice add to the competition.
PeteK
May 17, 2022 at 08:40 am
I would rather give those snaps to a young player fighting for a spot who can also play special teams. King is a poor tackler and can't stay on the field.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
May 17, 2022 at 09:31 am
How many teams even have 1 great cornerback, let alone 3 really good ones? There's only so many of these guys to go around. Packers cornerbacks are in great shape.
Ferrari-Driver
May 17, 2022 at 08:38 am
Alexander: Magnificent Player. Excellent in the locker room. Absolutely no blemishes in the community and seems like a nice guy. If that isn't the makings of a "MUST SIGN", I can't imagine what would be required. "Pay The Man" and we did.
pantz_bURp
May 17, 2022 at 08:49 am
Yes Ferrari! Plus, and I know it didn't play into the conversation (nor should it) of should we sign him to an extension or not BUT, he has dreamy eyes! Both he and Cobb...well, I would put them up against any other players in the NFL.
*Gonna play Turn Around Bright Eyes by Bonnie Tyler
Go, go, gooo
mnbadger
May 17, 2022 at 12:39 pm
I have to admit to being against drafting JA. IMO - too small/fragile, not enough experience against bigger more talented players in college and too cocky.
I was wrong. Way wrong.
He's so fast, so quick and so confident.
As I age, I learn that confidence is a really good thing in a top notch competitor. Confidence is built by hard work, knowledge, god given talent and being dependable/assignment sure.
He's earned his right to be extremely confident. I love watching him play, though still fear he's too aggressive with some of his hitting.
I'm very happy for him and for the GBPkrs. GPG!
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
May 17, 2022 at 09:09 am
I'll be the first to admit, early on in the Gute regime, I was less than thrilled at some of the moves he made. Releasing Jordy (my favorite player of all time) was a dagger to my heart and I was really unhappy about the Jaire pick (wanted Derwin James baaaaad). But I'm not too proud to admit I was wrong. It didnt take Jaire long to win me over and by proxy Gute as well. Stopped doubting either of them real quick. Couldn't be happier for Jaire and I look forward to watching him ball out in Green and Gold for years to come! #GPG
pantz_bURp
May 17, 2022 at 09:13 am
I was lucky to be involved in a Jordy Lambeau Leap against the Raiders...he is a huge dude! I always respected how he went about his business and loved his talent! Yeah, he made it super easy to cheer for him.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
May 17, 2022 at 09:26 am
Other than maybe Leroy Butler and Reggie White, I cant think of another player in my lifetime (I'm 35) who embodied what it means to be a Green Bay Packer more than Jordy. Kept his head down, worked his ass off, mastered his craft, never complained, never got in trouble, was never a distraction, and was absolutely amazing to watch. One of a dying breed. Easily the most underrated player of his entire generation and an even better person. Made me proud to be a fan.
pantz_bURp
May 17, 2022 at 09:37 am
Well said R-T-S! Amazing at how humble he was (is)...
And, mannn...I sure did love Reggie! When he signed with the Packers, the NFL world shook. Again, so freaking talented and strong! Lucky to have had a chance to sign him. Fitting he and Leroy started out the infamous Lambeau Leap.
Yep, pure luck being born in WI and having no say in what team I was going to back. But, the more I dig into the Pack and their history...I have peace of mind. It stings more when they lose but how sweet when they win or lose (but show class, respect and grind all the way to the end!)
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
May 17, 2022 at 10:10 am
Excellent post Sir Burpy Pantz 👍
pantz_bURp
May 17, 2022 at 01:24 pm
Kinda scratching my mellon R-T-S...you have made some really good points in the past, and you are in your mid-30s. I, about 100 years older should have more insight/knowledge to throw down every once or twice a month, but I don't....
I will steal one from Vince: "what the hell is going on out there!!!?!" Great job RTS!
Keep it going, keep er going...👍💪👌
PackAttack4155
May 17, 2022 at 09:25 am
Congrats on the big payday! Well deserved for a shutdown back. CB depth behind the big three could be an issue though. If Jean-Charles can take a step forward and Nixon is the special teams stud Bisaccia has alluded to, maybe all is well. I'm more concerned with safety depth. Jarquiski Tartt, a consistent playoff nemesis, is still available. His presence could allow Amos to play nearer to the line, causing havoc on opposing QBs.
Packer_Fan
May 17, 2022 at 09:20 am
I think this is good for the defense. This makes the secondary good and well paid = happy. I see with top pick Walker a set of ILB's that will be hard hitters and fast. Then I see the Pack spending money and draft picks more on DL than Edge. And I see that as a move from a 3-4-4 to a 4-2-5 defense similar to Tampa Bay. That could be why an Edge was not a high draft pick. And perhaps why their 5th round pick was a bigger and stronger Edge (but slow). Who could put on some weight and strength to play the 4-2-5 defense better. Both Pettine and Barry like play the nickel defense and what the Pack has done is to get players who fit this system better.
Just my thoughts and we will see what happens at the start of the season.
Packer_Fan
May 17, 2022 at 09:20 am
I think this is good for the defense. This makes the secondary good and well paid = happy. I see with top pick Walker a set of ILB's that will be hard hitters and fast. Then I see the Pack spending money and draft picks more on DL than Edge. And I see that as a move from a 3-4-4 to a 4-2-5 defense similar to Tampa Bay. That could be why an Edge was not a high draft pick. And perhaps why their 5th round pick was a bigger and stronger Edge (but slow). Who could put on some weight and strength to play the 4-2-5 defense better. Both Pettine and Barry like play the nickel defense and what the Pack has done is to get players who fit this system better.
Just my thoughts and we will see what happens at the start of the season.
Leatherhead
May 17, 2022 at 10:19 am
I'm going to go Old-Timer here. Following the 2003 season, and the infamous 4th and 26 failure, there was a lot of talk on message boards like this about "what happened"?? One of the arguments that really resonated with me was that we didn't have 11 good defenders on the field, which I thought was true. We had a lot of "averagish" guys, a few pretty good guys like McKenzie and KGB, and a couple of "not very good" guys on the field.
Right now, we could put a defense out there that has quite a few pretty good guys, and a few averagish guys, and no real weak links. And that's not just on 4th and 26, that's on 3rd and 5, which is why we'll stop teams, get off the field, and watch our offense for a while.
It's an axiom that you can never have too many guys who can cover and tackle, and he's one, and he's a pretty good player. I hope he can keep himself on the field this year.
Swisch
May 17, 2022 at 12:43 pm
Seems like too much money for Alexander coming off an injury-plagued season.
I do like keeping our own guys, especially on second contracts when they're entering their prime physically, as well as becoming knowledgeable about the NFL.
I'm wary of making guys the highest-paid at their position.
***
I'm excited about having Jaire on the Packers -- but with a year left on his first contract, I'd have waited, or paid him less on the extension.
If Jaire didn't understand why, or was upset about it, then I'd have tried to trade him before training camp.
I want to pay our Packers top salaries, but not necessarily the most at their positions.
I want guys who want to play for the Packers for more than just the money, and realize that their teammates also need to be paid well. We need a lot of good players for a championship team.
If guys want to leave the Packers for not being highest-paid, then I wish them well in leaving for a more lucrative place -- and hope we can find a way to get others in return.
Lphill
May 17, 2022 at 01:57 pm
I don't think the Packers ever had a defense with as many first rounders as they do now, I count 7 .