The Los Angeles Chargers are shaping up to be a serious contender in the AFC for the 2025-26 season. Under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, the team made a dramatic turnaround, winning 11 games and securing a playoff spot in his debut year.
A major contributor to their success was their defense. Harbaugh brought defensive coordinator Jesse Minter with him from Michigan, and Minter made an immediate impact. For much of the season, the Chargers led the league in fewest points allowed. As they head into the new season, some changes are expected on defense, and the team may look to trade for a star player to maintain their elite status.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen analyzed potential trade candidates and their ideal landing spots, along with top fits for remaining free agents. One of his standout suggestions was Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander, widely regarded as one of the best at his position. Known for his ability to lock down top receivers and make plays on the ball, Alexander would be a valuable addition.
Bowen pointed to the Chargers as the ideal team for Alexander. This wouldn’t be the first time LA benefited from a Packers corner—Casey Hayward signed with the Chargers in 2016 and became a two-time Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro during his four seasons there. Alexander could fill a similar role in Minter’s defense, which leans heavily on zone coverage like Cover 3 and split-safety looks.
Bowen wrote:
“The Chargers signed Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste this offseason, but if Alexander becomes available, he’d be a clear upgrade in Jesse Minter’s system. He’s instinctive, quick, and has the ability to break on the ball. Over his career, he has 12 interceptions and 57 pass breakups.”
However, Bowen didn’t mention two promising young corners already on the roster: Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart. Both had impressive rookie seasons, with Still recording four interceptions, including a pick-six against the Falcons. Jackson is expected to start, and adding Alexander would give the Chargers a loaded secondary.
A unit featuring Alexander, Hart, Still, Jackson, Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, and Elijah Molden would be one of the most formidable in the league. Plus, veterans like Tony Jefferson and St-Juste would provide solid depth behind them.
Chargers Trade Proposal For Jaire Alexander
A trade offer for Jaire Alexander likely wouldn’t be substantial. It’s uncertain what the Chargers might be willing to part with to land the two-time Pro Bowl cornerback, though they do have the financial flexibility to sign him to an extension if needed, with over $110 million in cap space projected after next season.
Trade talks between Alexander and the Packers have been ongoing for some time, so this development isn’t unexpected. The Packers don’t hold strong leverage to demand a high return, and a package of a couple mid-round picks may be enough. Since any team trading for Alexander would also need to extend his contract, the cost in draft capital is expected to remain modest.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Chargers hold one pick in each of the first six rounds, having traded away their seventh-rounder to the Titans for Elijah Molden in 2024. They might also receive compensatory picks, though those won’t be confirmed until next spring.
Chargers trade proposal: 2026 3rd Round Pick + 2026 5th Round Pick
The Chargers are a young team with solid depth and are built to win now. This trade package helps them maintain that depth while acquiring one of the premier players at the position.
Losing a third- and fifth-round pick in next year’s draft is manageable for Los Angeles. In the 2025 NFL Draft, they selected Oregon defensive lineman Jamaree Caldwell in the third round. While it’s still uncertain how he’ll develop, the team’s future success doesn’t hinge on holding that 2026 third-round selection.
Looking ahead, the Chargers could work toward a contract extension with Alexander. Although he’s expressed a desire to be released by Green Bay so he can choose his next team, the Packers stand to gain by trading him for draft assets rather than letting him walk for nothing.
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