Eagles Work Out Two Top Cornerbacks After Jaire Alexander Steps Away from Football
Philadelphia, PA – November 12, 2025
The Philadelphia Eagles are wasting no time addressing their secondary concerns after All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander informed the team he’s stepping away from football to focus on his physical and mental well-being.
Alexander, who was acquired from the Baltimore Ravens before the trade deadline, never suited up for a single game in Philadelphia. His decision leaves a sudden hole in the Eagles’ defensive backfield — one the front office is moving quickly to fill.
According to team sources, the Eagles have brought in two veteran defensive backs for workouts — Stephon Gilmore and Tre Herndon — as they evaluate potential replacements before Week 11.
Stephon Gilmore, a 13-year NFL veteran, is among the most decorated cornerbacks of his generation. The former NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2019) made his mark with the New England Patriots, where he helped capture
Meanwhile, Tre Herndon, currently with the Buffalo Bills, brings versatility and reliability as both a cornerback and safety. The Vanderbilt product entered the NFL in 2018 as an undrafted free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars
Herndon’s adaptability and recent form have reportedly impressed Eagles scouts, who see him as a potential depth signing capable of contributing immediately in multiple defensive packages.
With Philadelphia preparing for a playoff push, replacing Alexander’s expected role won’t be easy. But adding one — or both — of these seasoned veterans could restore stability and leadership to a secondary that has endured its share of turbulence this season.
For the Eagles, this week’s tryouts represent more than roster maintenance — they’re a statement of intent that the team remains fully focused on staying competitive, even amid unexpected setbacks.
Josh Simmons Uses His $7.31 Million Signing Bonus to Give His Mom a “Full Circle Moment”
After cementing his place as one of college football’s premier offensive tackles at Ohio State, Josh Simmons saw his dream realized when the Kansas City Chiefs selected him in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Chiefs locked him in on May 5, 2025, with the deal confirmed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter and multiple sources between May 4–6. The four-year rookie contract runs through 2028, with a fifth-year option available for activation in 2028 under NFL rules for first-round picks.
The fully guaranteed $14,675,356 contract includes a $7,312,984 signing bonus, paid immediately upon signing. And Simmons knew from the very start exactly what his first major purchase would be. “The first thing I’m doing is getting my mom a house,”
For Simmons, the gesture is more than a financial decision — it’s a way to honor years of sacrifice. Raised in a household where comfort was a luxury, Simmons watched his mother juggle multiple jobs, sometimes going without herself so he could have what he needed to succeed.
“I remember her coming home late, still asking about my day, still encouraging me to keep working,” Simmons recalled. “Those moments stay with you forever. Without her, none of this happens.”
With help from a Kansas City real estate firm, Simmons found a $5-million home that checked every box on his mother’s wish list — spacious rooms, a large backyard for family gatherings, and a kitchen designed for hosting the Sunday dinners she always dreamed of.
When Simmons finally handed her the keys and walked her through the front door, the emotions were overwhelming. His mom broke down in tears, realizing her son’s promise had come true. Simmons described it as a
The story quickly made waves among Chiefs fans, who praised the young lineman’s maturity and gratitude before even stepping onto the field in an NFL game. For the organization, it was another sign they had drafted not just a physical talent, but a person of character.
As Simmons prepares for his rookie season, he says this is only the beginning. “Football gave me the chance to change my family’s life,” he said. “I’m going to keep building on that — for her, for my team, and for Kansas City.”
