The Green Bay Packers are nearing a decision on whether Jaire Alexander will return to the team next year.
ESPN’s Rob Demovsky reported that the Packers are becoming more disillusioned with the ongoing injury troubles that have plagued Alexander recently.
A series of injuries have sidelined Alexander over the past three seasons, including shoulder, knee, and groin issues. He also missed one game in 2023 when the team suspended him. Alexander has admitted that he is uncertain about his future in Green Bay. Meanwhile, Brian Gutekunst was noncommittal about Alexander’s future shortly after the season.
I know it’s been really, really frustrating for not only him as a player, but us as a club. When you have a player who’s done what he’s done for us in the past, and then not being able to get him out on the field consistently, that’s tough. You know it’s tough on the player, tough on the organization.
Three years ago, the Packers signed Alexander to a four-year, $84 million extension, and two years remain on it. If the Packers release him, they could save almost $6.8 million in salary cap space for 2025. If they opt for a post-June 1 cut, they’d free up more than $17 million.
There’s no set trigger date tied to Alexander’s contract, giving the Packers flexibility in their decision-making process. While the team may want to resolve his future quickly, no roster bonus or deadline is pushing them to make a move by March. That allows Green Bay to keep Alexander on the roster into the new league year and through Week 1 in September. The Packers can take their time, waiting to see if any teams come forward with a trade offer for the seasoned cornerback.
But would any team be willing to take a chance on an aging cornerback who has struggled to stay on the field?
Alexander’s talent is undeniable. He is a two-time Second-Team All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler who, when healthy, can immediately elevate any defense. However, his availability has been a persistent concern. Any team exploring a trade would have to balance the risk of his injury history against the impact he can still provide on the field.
Acquiring a player via trade also means taking on his contract. Given Alexander’s recent struggles to stay on the field, it’s hard to imagine many general managers being willing to allocate a significant portion of their salary cap to a player with durability concerns.
It would still be smarter for the Packers to retain Alexander rather than release him at the start of the new league year. He’s talented enough that a team would likely prefer to trade for him and secure his rights instead of competing for him in free agency.
Green Bay can control where he ends up by keeping him under contract. The last thing the Packers want is for Alexander to land with an NFC contender – or worse, a division rival. I could see him signing with the Minnesota Vikings or the Detroit Lions out of spite, and I’m sure Green Bay would want to avoid that scenario.
I highly doubt Green Bay could get a Day 1 or even Day 2 draft pick in return for Alexander. If any general manager offers that kind of compensation, the Packers should accept the deal without hesitation. However, the most likely outcome seems to be an outright release. At this point, it’s probably the best move for both sides.
The entire situation is unfortunate. A healthy Alexander is one of the best cornerbacks in the league and an exciting player. Still, a split feels inevitable. If the Packers can get anything in return for his rights, that’s a win-win. Alexander gets a fresh start, and Green Bay doesn’t walk away empty-handed.
