Should Miami Take a Chance on Injury-Prone Star Jaire Alexander?

Miami Gardens, USA - In recent developments, the Miami Dolphins are faced with a pivotal decision regarding their secondary as they consider signing veteran cornerback Jaire Alexander, who has just been released by the Green Bay Packers. This two-time Pro Bowler has shown remarkable talent on the field; however, his injury history raises a few eyebrows in the Dolphins‘ camp. According to Dolphins Talk, the team’s current cornerback situation may be among the weakest in the league, especially as they prepare to square off against elite wide receivers like Stefon Diggs and Garrett Wilson.

Jaire Alexander certainly brings impressive stats to the table, having recorded a PFF grade of 78.3 for coverage in the 2024 season, making him the 16th best in the NFL. Throughout his career, Alexander has racked up over 280 tackles, 12 interceptions, and 70 pass breakups, demonstrating that he knows a thing or two about defending against passes. Yet, these accolades come with the complication of a checkered injury record. Over the past four seasons, he has missed 33 games, almost half of them – a statistic that raises concerns about his durability as mentioned by Sports Illustrated.

Considering Durability and Finances

What makes the situation even trickier for Miami is the financial aspect. Jaire Alexander was set to earn a base salary of $16.1 million in 2025, though none of it was guaranteed due to the way contracts generally work in the league. As it stands, financial projections suggest that a one-year deal for Alexander could max out around $10 million for the Dolphins in 2025. This comes at a time when the team is already managing contract negotiations for several of their own players, including Jonnu Smith and Zach Sieler.

Furthermore, concerns have been voiced about the impact of bringing in another player with a history of injuries. Remember, the Dolphins recently saw tackle Terron Armstead retire due to knee issues after facing his own set of health challenges over three seasons. It begs the question: is it wise for the Dolphins to roll the dice on another injury-prone player?

Strategic Direction of the Team

There’s also the bigger picture to consider. The Dolphins are currently in a phase that suggests a team rebuilding or transition. With Jalen Ramsey seeking to depart and the looming shadows of elite opponents, the Dolphins must weigh the pros and cons of potentially adding Alexander to their roster. Being a proven cornerback, he would undoubtedly become the best in that position for Miami, yet their cautious financial strategy this offseason tells a story of conservation rather than lavish spending.

This leads us to a critical crossroads for the Dolphins. Balancing the immediate needs for more strength in the secondary against the implications of past injuries, contract demands, and overall team direction isn’t easy. As stated by Pro Football Reference, navigating this conundrum requires careful thought and strategy, especially with key matchups looming ahead in their schedule.

In the end, it seems Jaire Alexander would be a potential game-changer for the Dolphins if the hurdles of his health and the team’s financial strategy can be overcome. It’s a gamble, but as the old saying goes in football, sometimes you have to play to win. Will Miami take the leap? Only time will tell as we await further developments in this story.