The Carolina Panthers may have tried to bring free-agent cornerback Jaire Alexander back to his old stomping grounds, but it was simply not to be.

On Wednesday, the Charlotte, N.C. native and former Green Bay Packer signed with the Baltimore Ravens. Alexander, despite some reported interest from his hometown Panthers, is now headed to the AFC on a one-year pact worth up to $6 million.

So unfortunately for the Panthers, they might’ve lost out on adding a two-time Pro Bowler to their secondary. Luckily, however, there’s still a handful of other worthwhile cornerbacks on the open market.

Here are six free-agent corners who could make sense for Carolina:

Asante Samuel Jr.

If the Panthers were indeed interested in signing Alexander, then they’re probably looking to upgrade at the No. 2 spot across from Jaycee Horn. And while Samuel isn’t the same caliber of defender Alexander is, he could spark some competition with incumbent starter Mike Jackson.

The former second-round pick started in 47 of his 50 career games for the Los Angeles Chargers, amassing six interceptions and 37 passes defensed between 2021 and 2024. Still only 25 years old, Samuel could even provide Carolina with a long-term answer after a possible trial run this season.

Jack Jones

Jones, who has been arrested twice since 2018, comes with a history of off-field issues. But if those are behind him, the talented 27-year-old has some playmaking ability left to offer the NFL.

On top of fielding the most generous defense in league history this past season, Carolina hasn’t been all that good at taking the ball away from their opponents. Over his three-year career, Jones has notched seven picks—with four of those ending in a touchdown return.

Kendall Fuller

Fuller has had himself a rock-solid nine-year tenure in the NFL. That stretch has been defined, in part, by his prowess against opposing ground attacks—as he’s earned at least a 70.5 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus in each of his last seven seasons.

The 30-year-old can bring some veteran leadership and that ability to stop the run, an area the Panthers defense was the absolute worst at in 2024.

Rasul Douglas

Douglas had a cup of coffee here already, having spent the 2020 campaign in Carolina. And since his departure, he’s established himself as a sound defender.

The 6-foot-2, 209-pounder started in each of his 15 regular-season outings for the Buffalo Bills in 2024, where he recorded 58 combined tackles, five passes defensed and a forced fumble. His experience and length could appeal to general manager Dan Morgan, who really seems to favor long-limbed athletes.

Shaquill Griffin

Like Douglas, Griffin also spent a little time with the Panthers. The former Pro Bowler played three games for Carolina in 2023, including one start.

His most recent venture came in Minnesota, where he tallied two interceptions and three starts over 17 games.

Stephon Gilmore

Another old friend may be able to fill that outside corner role. And even at 34, Gilmore has shown that he still has the chops to do so.

The former Defensive Player of the Year and five-time Pro Bowler locked it down on that dominant Vikings defense in 2024. So after some chatter last offseason about a second return home, perhaps Carolina can convince the Rock Hill, S.C. native to come back and help lead a feel-good turnaround this time.

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