The Philadelphia Eagles are not having much luck retaining new veteran defensive players for the 2025 season.
FOX Sports' Jay Glazer reported that Alexander informed the Eagles that he would be stepping away from football to focus on his physical and mental health, before making a decision on his future. Alexander played just two games for the Baltimore Ravens this season before being traded to the Eagles near the trade deadline.
Former Pro Bowl CB Jaire Alexander has decided to step away from football to try to focus on getting himself right physically and mentally before deciding on his future. Alexander informed the Eagles of his decision today @nflonfox has learned
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) November 12, 2025
While he mentioned that he was in great shape physically and excited to be in Philadelphia, the Eagles decided not to have him travel to Green Bay for the Packers game in Week 10. The decision was partially a health and coach's call.
Eagles must come up with plan in secondary after the change up by Alexander
In a world where mental health and taking care of yourself are so important, kudos to Alexander for being strong enough to make that call. Eagles fans hope he might find his way to the field in the future, but understand things on the field are less important than what's going on off the field.
Adjustments will need to be made by Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio in the secondary, but it may not be as bad as some fans think. Philly rolled out Adoree' Jackson on the outside with Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in the slot, and that seemed to be a good combination.
The Eagles' other addition at the trade deadline in the secondary, Michael Carter II, might see himself get his shot to play in the slot and DeJean on the outside if they wanted to. Fangio loves DeJean in the slot so that it might depend more on the defensive package.
Philly's secondary only allowed 157 yards passing in the 10-7 win over the Green Bay Packers. Mitchell had two pass deflections while Jackson added another in the win.
Read more: DeVonta Smith pointedly calls out Eagles offense after atrocious win vs. Packers
While Alexander would have been a great addition to the outside cornerback spot, the Eagles are still solid at cornerback as long as Jackson can step up his play. At least they have a strong backup plan with Carter potentially getting more playing time.