The concept of cornerback Jaire Alexander becoming a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers was extra principle than actuality. Regardless of loads of followers wishing Alexander would strengthen the Steelers’ secondary, he selected the AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens as a substitute. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has detailed different groups within the combine. Pittsburgh wasn’t amongst them.
Reporting over the weekend, Fowler indicated the Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons had been additionally potentialities for Alexander.
“Falcons he was contemplating,” Fowler mentioned on SportsCenter. “Miami Dolphins, he was additionally contemplating.”
A graphic accompanying his commentary additionally listed the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs amongst groups thinking about signing him. ESPN’s Adam Schefter famous that the Carolina Panthers additionally expressed curiosity.
Maybe that report wasn’t an exhaustive record of all the groups that made a play for Alexander but when the Steelers had been thought of severe suitors, they probably would’ve been added in Fowler’s report. Particularly contemplating Fowler beforehand lined the AFC North and is somebody plugged-in with Pittsburgh.
Fowler famous that Baltimore recruited Alexander most aggressively, utilizing ties to former faculty teammate Lamar Jackson to persuade Jaire Alexander to just accept much less cash to signal with the Ravens. He inked a one-year deal value as much as $6 million, $2 million of that containing enjoying time incentives. Well being has been Alexander’s greatest subject, the eighth-year veteran showing in 14 complete video games over the previous two years.
As Dave Bryan has mentioned, it will’ve been troublesome for Pittsburgh to get a deal achieved with the two-time Professional Bowler. The Steelers don’t construction contracts with non-quarterbacks with incentives and Alexander’s deal was probably going to include them given his harm historical past that may mitigate the danger any crew would tackle. Additionally, Pittsburgh has two established exterior corners in Darius Slay and Joey Porter Jr. with no logical possibility within the slot. In Baltimore, Marlon Humphrey regularly sees nickel snaps, making a extra seamless match.
The Miami Dolphins’ Jalen Ramsey stays the highest cornerback obtainable, anticipated to be traded by coaching camp. Loads of rumors about Ramsey and the Steelers have popped up over the previous week. Time will inform if they’ve any validity or in the event that they’ll be as imaginary as Pittsburgh’s hopes of signing Alexander.
