The offseason for the Dallas Cowboys has been marked by strategic moves, but as the new season looms with a notoriously tough schedule, the team is reportedly still eyeing reinforcements. Specifically, two prominent veteran cornerbacks, Jaire Alexander and Jalen Ramsey, have emerged as potential targets. Both offer undeniable talent and experience, but each comes with their own set of significant question marks. Will America’s Team make a bold splash to fortify their secondary, or will they shy away from the inherent risks? Let’s dissect the potential acquisitions and what they could mean for the Cowboys’ challenging 2025 campaign.
Jaire Alexander – The High-Reward, High-Risk Free Agent
The news of Jaire Alexander’s release by the Green Bay Packers sent shockwaves through the NFL. At just 28 years old, Alexander is widely considered one of the league’s most effective cornerbacks when healthy. His two interceptions last season, despite missing most of the year due to injuries, are a testament to his elite playmaking ability. The Packers’ decision to cut him reportedly stemmed from an inability to agree on a restructured contract, with his $17.5 million figure proving too steep for their cap space.
However, Alexander’s health is the elephant in the room. He has struggled immensely with consistency, playing just 14 games over the last two seasons and only four games in 2021. While his 2022 season (16 games played) offered a glimpse of his durability, the recent injury history is a major red flag. For the Cowboys, signing Alexander would be a pure “swing for the fences” move. If he stays healthy, he immediately elevates their secondary to an elite level. But the financial commitment and the potential for him to miss significant time again make this a high-risk, high-reward proposition. As the hottest cornerback on the free-agent market, Dallas will face stiff competition if they pursue him.
Jalen Ramsey – The Trade Target with Declining Production but Proven Durability
Should the Cowboys opt for a different path, Jalen Ramsey of the Miami Dolphins presents an intriguing trade option. Miami is actively seeking a trade partner for Ramsey, and Dallas is reportedly one of the biggest potential suitors. While Ramsey, at 29, isn’t quite as dominant as he was in his prime, he remains a very capable cornerback. Last season, he played all 17 games for the Dolphins, tallying 60 total tackles and two interceptions – a significant positive indicator of his durability compared to Alexander.
The main hurdles for acquiring Ramsey are draft capital and his contract. The Cowboys are notoriously cautious about sacrificing draft picks for older players. A future sixth- or even seventh-round selection, while seemingly minor, would still be a cost. More importantly, Dallas would likely need to take on the majority of Ramsey’s remaining contract, which could be a substantial financial burden. There have also been whispers about Ramsey potentially transitioning to safety, which could offer some versatility, but these rumors lack concrete confirmation. Acquiring Ramsey would be a move for immediate impact and durability, but it comes with a financial commitment and the loss of draft assets.
Dallas’s Dilemma – Urgency vs. Caution in a Tough Schedule
The Cowboys’ interest in these two veterans underscores a clear recognition of their need for secondary reinforcement, especially with one of the most difficult schedules in the league awaiting them next season. Their offseason has been “impressive” in other areas, but the cornerback room could use an infusion of talent.
The dilemma for Dallas is whether to prioritize immediate, proven talent (even with risks) over long-term financial flexibility and draft capital. Alexander offers higher upside if healthy, but his injury history is terrifying. Ramsey offers more consistent availability and still solid play, but at a cost in both picks and salary, and potentially past his absolute peak. The Cowboys’ history suggests they are generally prudent with draft picks, making a trade for Ramsey a less likely but still plausible scenario. A free-agent signing for Alexander, if the price and injury concerns can be mitigated, might be more appealing.
The Dallas Cowboys are at a crossroads regarding their secondary. The availability of Jaire Alexander and Jalen Ramsey presents both tantalizing opportunities and significant challenges. Acquiring either player would undoubtedly bolster their defense, but it comes with a calculated risk – whether it’s Alexander’s injury history or Ramsey’s contract and trade cost. As America’s Team navigates a daunting schedule, their decision on pursuing these veteran cornerbacks will be a crucial factor in determining their success in the upcoming 2025 season. The question remains: Will they make a bold move, or will caution prevail in their pursuit of Super Bowl contention?