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Panthers' failed Jaire Alexander pursuit illustrates how far off they are

A better Panthers team might've stood a chance at getting Jaire Alexander.
Zach Roberts|
Oct 13, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Oct 13, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

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Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers had interest in Jaire Alexander, but they never made it to the official offer stage. The cornerback hit the open market earlier this month, and he's now with the Baltimore Ravens. One of the premier talents at cornerback, the Panthers may have missed an opportunity.

For once, though, the interest in a star free agent was real. Adam Schefter reported that the Panthers actually had legitimate interest in the cornerback. "Carolina is interested in Jaire Alexander. There are other teams offering him more money than Baltimore can," Schefter said on the Pat McAfee Show.

Ultimately, whether the Panthers were a team that could've offered more than Baltimore remains to be seen because they never truly threw their hat in the ring. It may or may not have been a good idea to do so given Alexander's bolsterous and sometimes troublesome personality as well as his poor injury history.

The Panthers are not good enough to convince a star to sign right now first and foremost. But they're also not good enough to take the risk. The Ravens can sign Alexander because they're flush with defensive backs and have the culture to convince Alexander to sign on.

The Panthers don't have that yet. It's no secret that Carolina isn't Baltimore; they're not even close. But that's what a winning team looks like, and Alexander's signing is another example of what Carolina should strive to be but isn't yet.

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Zach Roberts
ZACH ROBERTS

Zachary Roberts is a journalist with a wide variety of experience covering basketball, golf, entertainment, video games, music, football, baseball, and hockey. He currently covers Charlotte sports teams and has been featured on Sportskeeda, Yardbarker, MSN, and On SI.

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