While Bryce Young’s development is understandably the Panthers’ top storyline, Carolina’s historically poor defense last season shouldn’t be overshadowed. Allowing more points than any team in NFL history is a staggering low, and it underscores how far the defense must come for the Panthers to be competitive even if Young takes a big step forward.
Dave Canales and the front office made splashy moves on offense, including drafting Tetairoa McMillan to bolster the receiving corps. But the defense, especially the secondary, remains a huge concern. That’s why Moe Moton’s proposal of trading for Jaire Alexander makes sense on paper.
Alexander, when healthy, is one of the league’s elite corners. He’d instantly upgrade a Carolina secondary that lacks a true shutdown presence. His ability to play man or zone, match up with top receivers, and bring leadership would be invaluable for a young, rebuilding team.
The big questions:
Would Green Bay be willing to part with Alexander, especially after trading Rasul Douglas last year?
Could Carolina absorb his contract and part with the draft capital likely required to land him?
If the Packers are shifting toward their youth in the secondary, and the Panthers are serious about stabilizing the defense while their offense matures, this kind of bold move might be necessary. It’d be a win-now signal in an otherwise long-term rebuild.
Exactly Carolina’s defensive signings this offseason were modest depth additions, not transformational ones. While Tre’von Moehrig adds versatility on the back end and Patrick Jones II, Tershawn Wharton, and Bobby Brown III beef up the front seven, none are top-tier game-changers and the cornerback position remains a glaring weakness.
Relying on Michael Jackson, who allowed 6 TDs and a 106.5 passer rating in coverage, is a major risk for a defense that already broke records for futility. That’s why Jaire Alexander, despite recent injury issues, is a swing worth considering. When healthy, he’s a true No. 1 corner, capable of shadowing elite receivers and instantly raising the ceiling of Carolina’s defense.
At 28 years old, Alexander still has prime years left especially if the Panthers can restructure his \$24.6M cap hit for 2025 into a more manageable number. The gamble is justifiable for a team trying to support a young quarterback with a more competent defense and compete in a wide-open NFC South.
If Carolina wants to accelerate its rebuild and avoid wasting Bryce Young’s rookie contract window, this is the kind of calculated aggression that can pay off assuming the Packers are willing to deal.
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