Packers Eye Jets Defensive Back as Ideal Replacement for Jaire Alexander in 2025

   

Green Bay Packers Jaire Alexander

The Green Bay Packers are urged to find reinforcements to their secondary, and the PFF has an idea of where to look.

Green Bay Packers, DJ Reed, New York Jets
Florham Park, NJ July 19, 2023 — Cornerback, DJ Reed being interviewed as players arrived today to participate in the NY Jets 2023 Training Camp at their practice facility in Florham Park, NJ.

The renowned football analytics firm linked New York Jets cornerback DJ Reed to a potential move to Green Bay, as he will hit free agency in the offseason. The 28-year-old Kansas State product has tallied 54 tackles, three tackles for loss, 1.0 sacks, 10 pass breakups, and zero interceptions in 12 starts this season.

“Reed is poised to enter free agency at an ideal moment, as he’s on track for a career year. His 75.1 coverage grade ranks 14th among players at his position this season. He’s also excelled in PFF’s advanced metrics, boasting a 52.26% lockdown percentage,” PFF wrote via Brandon Carwile of the Packers Wire.

Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) and Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (28)
Oct 20, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) talks trash to Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (28) after a play at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Tork Mason/Green Bay Press-Gazette via the USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin-Imagn Images

The Green Bay Packers are ranked ninth overall in passing yards allowed per game (209.7), even with top cornerback Jaire Alexander missing eight games due to injury, and adding a player like DJ Reed will boost their overall defense.

Green Bay Packers will miss a handful of key players against the Minnesota Vikings

Jaire Alexander’s absence in Week 17 was anticipated after Matt LaFleur expressed doubts about his availability this weekend. The two-time Pro Bowler is sidelined alongside linebacker Quay Walker (ankle), safety Evan Williams (quad), and offensive lineman Andre Dillard (concussion).

Green Bay Packers, Christian Watson, Packers injury report
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) leaves the field in the fourth quarter after getting injured against the New Orleans Saints during their football game Monday, December 23, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

In addition, the Green Bay Packers gave questionable tags to Christian Watson (knee), Javon Bullard (ankle), and Ty’Ron Hopper (ankle). Meanwhile, Elgton Jenkins (knee), Tucker Kraft (hip), Luke Musgrave (ankle), and Corey Ballentine (knee) are expected to play on Sunday afternoon.