The Los Angeles Chargers are looking to make waves in the NFL offseason, and a blockbuster trade proposal could be the key to bolstering their secondary. With the 2025 season on the horizon, ESPN’s Matt Bowen has identified the Chargers as the ideal trade destination for Green Bay Packers’ star cornerback Jaire Alexander, a two-time Pro Bowler whose future with the Packers remains uncertain. This potential move could address a glaring need in Los Angeles’ defense while sending shockwaves through the league.
A Secondary in Need of an Upgrade
The Chargers’ secondary has been a point of concern heading into the 2025 campaign. Despite a successful 11-6 season under head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz, the team’s pass defense exposed vulnerabilities, particularly after losing key cornerback Kristian Fulton to the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency. Additionally, the Chargers have shown no interest in re-signing Asante Samuel Jr., leaving a gap in their defensive backfield. While Los Angeles added Donte Jackson on a two-year deal and Benjamin St-Juste on a one-year contract, neither is considered a definitive CB1 to anchor the unit.
Enter Jaire Alexander, one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks when healthy. Known for his elite coverage skills, quick feet, and playmaking instincts, Alexander could be the transformative piece the Chargers need to compete in the ultra-competitive AFC West, where they face high-powered offenses led by quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes. ESPN’s Bowen notes that Alexander’s skill set aligns perfectly with defensive coordinator Jesse Minter’s zone-heavy scheme, which emphasizes single-high Cover 3 and split-safety looks. Alexander’s ability to read routes, transition quickly, and make plays on the ball would elevate the Chargers’ defense to new heights.
The Packers’ Perspective: Why Trade Alexander?
The Green Bay Packers have been noncommittal about Alexander’s future, with trade rumors swirling since the end of the 2024 season. General manager Brian Gutekunst has indicated that all options are on the table, including a potential release or trade, as the team grapples with Alexander’s injury history and hefty contract. The 28-year-old cornerback has two years remaining on a four-year, $84 million extension signed in 2022, with a 2025 cap hit of nearly $25 million. His injury-plagued recent seasons—playing just 14 games combined over the last two years due to various injuries, including a PCL tear in 2024—have raised concerns about his durability.
Despite these concerns, Alexander’s on-field impact is undeniable. In 2022, his last fully healthy season, he recorded five interceptions and 14 pass breakups, earning second-team All-Pro honors. Even in limited action in 2024, he showcased his playmaking ability with two interceptions (including a pick-six), seven pass breakups, and a forced fumble. However, his limited availability and a one-game suspension in 2023 for conduct detrimental to the team have strained his relationship with the Packers, making a trade a viable option.
The Packers’ decision to wait until the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft to select a cornerback (Tulane’s Micah Robinson) suggests they may be preparing to move on from Alexander. Without a clear replacement on the roster, Green Bay could rely on Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine as starting outside cornerbacks, with Nate Hobbs in the slot. However, trading Alexander could net valuable draft capital to address other roster needs, especially as the team aims to build around quarterback Jordan Love.
The Proposed Trade: A Win-Win Scenario?
While the specifics of a potential trade remain speculative, a deal for Alexander would likely involve significant draft compensation given his pedigree and contract. One proposed framework, inspired by past trade discussions for high-profile players, could see the Chargers offering a 2026 second-round pick and a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Packers. This package would provide Green Bay with assets to continue building their roster while allowing the Chargers to acquire a proven, elite talent without surrendering their 2026 first-rounder.
For the Chargers, absorbing Alexander’s contract is feasible. With the most projected cap space in the NFL for 2026, Los Angeles has the financial flexibility to take on his $17.5 million base salary for 2025, potentially restructuring the deal to create additional cap room. Extending left tackle Rashawn Slater could further ease any cap constraints, making the trade financially viable.
The fit in Los Angeles is compelling from a schematic standpoint. Alexander’s experience in zone coverage and his ability to lock down top receivers would complement the Chargers’ existing defensive stars, such as Derwin James and Joey Bosa (assuming he remains with the team). Pairing Alexander with Donte Jackson and emerging talents like Tarheeb Still could create a formidable secondary capable of containing the AFC’s high-octane passing attacks.
Risks and Rewards
The primary risk in acquiring Alexander is his injury history. Having played only 34 games since 2021, his durability is a legitimate concern. The Chargers would need assurance that Alexander, who underwent knee surgery in 2024, is fully recovered and capable of returning to his Pro Bowl form. Additionally, his $51 million cap hit over the next two years is a significant commitment for a player with availability concerns.
However, the potential reward outweighs the risk for a Chargers team aiming to capitalize on Justin Herbert’s prime years. A healthy Alexander could transform Los Angeles’ defense into a top-tier unit, providing the coverage needed to compete with elite offenses in the playoffs. His familiarity with zone-heavy schemes and his proven track record as a lockdown corner make him an ideal fit for Harbaugh’s vision of a physical, opportunistic defense.
The Verdict: A Bold Move for the Bolts
The idea of the Chargers trading for Jaire Alexander is nothing short of a blockbuster. It’s a high-risk, high-reward proposition that could redefine their defense and signal their intent to contend for a Super Bowl in 2025. While the Packers’ willingness to trade Alexander remains uncertain, the Chargers’ need for a true CB1 and their financial flexibility make them the perfect suitor. If Los Angeles can navigate the complexities of Alexander’s contract and health concerns, this trade could be the catalyst for a deep playoff run.
As the NFL offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Green Bay and Los Angeles to see if this shocking trade proposal comes to fruition. For now, the possibility of Jaire Alexander donning the Chargers’ powder blue is enough to excite fans and analysts alike.