The 2024 Carolina Panthers will go down as the most ignominious defense of all time by points allowed, breaking the record long held by the 1981 Baltimore Colts. Even if you want to discount that record because of the extra game, Carolina’s 31.4 points per game allowed ranks sixth-worst all-time.
However, they have made strong additions this offseason, bringing in Tre’von Moehrig, Tershawn Wharton, Patrick Jones II, and Bobby Brown III as well as drafting Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen. But to take the next step forward, one analyst wants the Panthers to upgrade their cornerback room as well and trade for the Green Bay Packers’ disgruntled star Jaire Alexander.
Panthers Predicted To Trade for Jaire Alexander
The Panthers were terrible defensively in 2024, finishing last in PFSN’s Defense+ metric. Their final grade of 53.5 is the second-worst in the metric’s history (dating back to 2019), ahead of only the 2020 Detroit Lions.
The offseason additions so far have set the Panthers up to take a step forward next season, but to give them a chance to contend for the Super Bowl, Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton predicted Carolina could pull off a trade for Alexander.
“Carolina can take a big swing to bolster its historically bad defense from a year ago,” Moton wrote. “Yes, the Panthers signed safety Tre’von Moehrig, edge-rusher Patrick Jones II, defensive end Tershawn Wharton, and nose tackle Bobby Brown III, but they should still bring in a proven veteran to upgrade at cornerback. Remember, Michael Jackson allowed six touchdowns and a 106.5 passer rating in coverage last season.
“Alexander has been sidelined for more than half of the previous two terms because of injuries, but when healthy, he’s a Pro Bowl-caliber player. The 28-year-old is worth the gamble if Carolina can reduce his $24.6 million 2025 cap hit with a restructured deal.”
The last two seasons have been rough for Alexander, who’s had trouble staying healthy. In 2023, he played in just seven regular-season games and was in and out of the lineup. It was more of the same in 2024 — seven games played, seven passes defensed, and 10 games missed.
“At some point you have to say he’s with us or he’s not.”@MarkTauscher65 has declared a date by which he thinks the #Packers and Jaire Alexander need to have things figured out.
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— Wilde & Tausch (@WildeAndTausch)
Even putting the injuries aside, Alexander’s contract is a concern. His cap hit in 2025 is $24.6 million — high for a player who hasn’t been available consistently, and if he isn’t ready to renegotiate with the Packers, he is unlikely to do so with the Panthers unless they offer some guarantee of a long-term deal.
But given the condition of the Panthers’ defense last season, a trade is still possible. Alexander would be a perfect fit with the young pair of Jackson and Jaycee Horn, bringing a veteran presence and plenty of experience and talent if he can stay healthy. In seven seasons with the Packers, he totaled 12 interceptions, three forced fumbles, 70 passes defensed, 1.5 sacks, and 287 tackles.