Jaire Alexander’s decision to step away from the Philadelphia Eagles has sent shockwaves throughout the NFL — and for good reason. Here is what has unfolded, based on reporting from Jay Glazer and others, as well as some broader context on Alexander’s health history and recent struggles.
Alexander, a two-time Pro Bowl cornerback, informed the Eagles on November 11, 2025, that he is taking a leave of absence to place his physical and emotional health first. According to Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer, he wants time to “get himself right physically and mentally” before making any decisions about his future. The very next day, the Eagles officially put him on their reserve/retired list.
This isn’t simply a break — it’s a potentially career-altering moment. League sources told ESPN that Alexander’s step back comes amid his recovery from offseason knee surgery. While he hasn’t formally submitted retirement papers, the fact that he’s stepping back now suggests serious introspection.
To fully understand why Alexander reached this point, it helps to look back at his recent journey. He was traded to the Eagles on November 1, 2025, from the Baltimore Ravens.But he never played a down for Philadelphia: he wasn’t even with the team on their trip to Green Bay, designated out with what was listed as a “knee / coach’s decision. Prior to the trade, his time in Baltimore was limited. He appeared in just two games for the Ravens
The root of his issues lies in that knee. Back in January, Alexander had surgery to repair damage in his right knee — a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury, according to reports. That surgery was supposed to be a turning point, but underlying complications and lingering pain have dogged him ever since.
Throughout his final seasons in Green Bay (2023–2024), Alexander’s availability dropped significantly: over those two seasons, he played in just seven games each year.The Packers released him in June 2025, about six months after the surgery, underscoring how serious the knee issues had become. When the Eagles acquired him, their general manager, Howie Roseman, seemed optimistic, saying that knowing “where his health is at now, feeling healthy, feeling good … we felt like the risk was worth the reward.”
Even before stepping away, Alexander made public comments suggesting that he felt good about his physical state. In his first media session with the Eagles, he expressed confidence, saying he was ready to bring “leadership … energy … confidence … swag,” and that he believed in himself and his ability to still contribute. Yet behind those words was a man still wrestling with serious physical and emotional strain.
That emotional strain is a critical part of this story. According to the league source quoted by ESPN, the cumulative toll of repeated injuries and setbacks has weighed heavily on Alexander From being one of the top corners in the league with the Packers to sporadic appearances in recent years, the shift in role and health has clearly affected him. Glazer’s report frames his leave not merely as an injury recovery period, but as a broader reset: a time to heal in all dimensions.
This is far from a trivial decision. Alexander is still only 28, an age when many NFL players are in their primes — especially at the cornerback position, where his elite coverage skills once made him a key defensive piece. He has earned accolades: Pro Bowls, All-Pro nods, big plays. But as much as he has been defined by his physical talents, his decision now underscores that health in the NFL is not just about the body — it’s about the mind.
There may also be financial and professional implications. Had he continued, he could have made meaningful contributions to a very playoff‑competitive Eagles team. But stepping away puts uncertainty on his career trajectory. Will this be a temporary hiatus, or will it evolve into full retirement? It’s unclear. While the Eagles put him on their reserve/retired list, he hasn’t formally filed the paperwork to retire, meaning there’s still a window for a comeback.
From the Eagles’ perspective, this move likely represents both concern for Alexander and a recalculation of their roster. The team traded for him in part for his talent and experience, but they also seemed to recognize the risk from his medical history. Their decision to place him on the reserve/retired list reflects that this is more than just a short-term injury answer — for now, at least, it’s a longer-term personal journey.
There is also a broader NFL context. Mental health has become a much more openly discussed subject across the league. Players, teams, and the NFL itself are gradually recognizing that the pressures of the sport — physical injury, performance expectations, long-term wear and tear — can deeply affect mental well-being. That Alexander is using his platform and his situation to prioritize both physical and emotional recovery speaks to a growing shift in how players view their careers and their personal lives.
Alexander’s decision, though surprising, may ultimately be one of self-preservation. Taking this time could allow him to fully rehabilitate his knee without the constant pressure of returning too soon. At the same time, it gives him space to reflect, to grapple with what he truly wants for his future — whether that means returning to the field or forging a new path entirely.
The uncertainty surrounding his future is real. Some media outlets, like The Athletic, have reported that he’s contemplating retirement. (Yahoo Sports) But the fact remains that nothing is locked in: taking a step back doesn’t necessarily mean saying goodbye forever. Alexander’s health is the priority, for himself and for his loved ones. And in a sport that seldom allows players to show vulnerability, his choice is a reminder that behind every helmet and uniform is a person with very real challenges.
In sum, Jaire Alexander’s decision to leave the Eagles — for now — is deeply personal, rooted in both physical injury and emotional strain. His knee surgery earlier this year was a significant setback, but equally important is the mental toll of repeated injuries and the pressure to keep performing. As he steps away, he’s not just recovering his body; he’s giving himself a chance to re-evaluate, to heal, and possibly, to return on his own terms. For now, the NFL world watches, hoping that the talented cornerback finds the balance and clarity he needs — whatever his next move may be.
