The Atlanta Falcons appear to have been in the mix for CB Jaire Alexander this offseason.
The Baltimore Ravens, however, were able to seal the deal with the long-time Green Bay Packers cornerback.
The Falcons’ pursuit of Alexander does make sense, given the team’s struggles on defense last season.
From the outside, the Falcons’ pursuit of Alexander not only shows the need for more talent, but also shows that Atlanta’s front office knows what’s at stake in 2025.
Alexander Pursuit Reflects Urgency
The Falcons’ chase for Jaire Alexander was more than just a rumor.
ESPN’s senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler reported that the Falcons had serious interest in the standout cornerback.
Alexander, who is a two-time pro bowl player, would have instantly elevated the Falcons secondary.
Last season, the Falcons’ defense finished in the bottom half of the league in total defense and in passing yards allowed per game.
However, Alexander has had some injury concerns of late, having only suited up for 34 out of a possible 68 games since 2021.
Even if Alexander’s availability might raise some questions, when healthy he has been a quality defensive back worth taking a chance on.
And it would have given the Falcons more stability in their shaky secondary.
With the Atlanta Falcons appearing to go all in with new DC Jeff Ulbrich, the clock is ticking to fix this defense.
Alexander ultimately chose the Baltimore Ravens, a super-bowl contending team with a top-ranked defense.
But the Falcons attempt to lure Alexander in, shows they are not standing still in their current situation.
The effort was serious, the player was available and coming up short continues to add to the urgency and pressure the Falcons front office have faced.
Pressure Mounting for GM Fontenot
The short-lived Jaire Alexander saga lines up with a broader trend that Falcons’ GM Terry Fontenot is in go-for-it mode.
Fontenot was brought in with excitement back in 2021, and was tasked with bringing life back to this Falcons team.
Since then, there have been many bumps in the road.
The Falcons have failed to make the playoffs since the hire of Fontenot and have had three, 7-10 records and last season came up short at 8-9.
It is not short-sighted to see that Fontenot’s seat is hot heading into this season.
In turn, the interest of Jaire Alexander directly reflects the pressure on Fontenot to pursue and achieve.
The missed opportunity of landing Alexander doesn’t erase what the Falcons have done, but magnifies the margins they are working within.
The Falcons angling Alexander shows they aren’t afraid to go out and make a bold move.
It also shows just how far the Falcons are willing to go to change their narrative.
With the Alexander attempt now in the rearview, the meaning of the attempt still lingers.
The 2025 season will be a turning point for the Atlanta Falcons.
Whether GM Terry Fontenot and HC Raheem Morris can deliver will ultimately seal their fate.
In a results-driven league, the urgency surrounding Flowery Branch might be the Falcons’ best asset—or their undoing.
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