If the decision were in the hands of Jaire Alexander, the Green Bay Packers wouldn’t hesitate to re-sign free-agent-to-be Bashaud Breeland, who had an interception return for a touchdown Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.

The Packers’ top rookie said he wants Breeland, his compadre in the secondary, back in Green Bay in 2019.

“I need him back,” Alexander said, according to Ryan Wood of PackersNews.com. “We’ve built a good connection.”

Breeland said he wasn’t sure if any contract negotiations had begun between his representatives and the Packers, but he was open to a return.

“If I have the opportunity, I would,” Breeland said when asked he’d re-sign in Green Bay.

The Packers signed Breeland to a one-year deal at the end of September. He had originally signed a three-year deal worth $24 million with the Carolina Panthers during free agency, but he failed his physical and the contract was voided.

He’s now rehabbing his value and finding a home in Green Bay.

Among players still on the 53-man roster, Breeland leads the Packers with two interceptions. The 26-year-old cornerback has at least two interceptions in four of his first five seasons.

In addition to his pick-six against the Falcons, Breeland also recovered a fumble and broke up a second pass.

Bringing back Breeland in 2019 and beyond could give the Packers attractive combination of depth and versatility at cornerback, especially if Kevin King can put together a healthy season and youngsters such Alexander, Josh Jackson and Tony Brown progress from Year 1 to 2.

As always in the NFL, the decision will likely come down to money and opportunity.

Breeland is a talented player at a premium position. He will have other suitors, and the Packers already have a lot invested at cornerback, but good teams usually aren’t in the business of letting good, young players get away, especially when they play such an important position.

GM Brian Gutekunst should probably listen to his rookie cornerback on this one.