GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers are cutting ties with two-time All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander, a stunning move that ends a seven-year tenure marked by elite play and persistent injuries. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Monday, that the Packers will release Alexander, opting to move on after failing to reach a contract restructure or secure a trade. The decision, timed before mandatory minicamp, frees up $17.1 million in 2025 cap space but leaves Green Bay with $7.5 million in dead money this year and $9.5 million in 2026, per Rapoport.
Alexander, the 18th overall pick in 2018, was a cornerstone of Green Bay’s defense when healthy. In seven seasons, he amassed 248 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 10 interceptions (one for a touchdown), 67 pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries across 76 games, starting 73, per Rapoport. His 2022 season was a high point, with a career-best five interceptions and 16 starts, earning second-team All-Pro honors. However, injuries plagued him, limiting him to seven games or fewer in three of his last four seasons, including just seven in 2024 due to a PCL tear and arthroscopic knee surgery. His $24.6 million cap hit for 2025, with no guaranteed money left on a four-year, $84 million extension signed in 2022, made him expendable.
The release leaves Green Bay’s secondary thin, with Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine as the top cornerbacks. Fans on X are reeling, with some praising Alexander’s lockdown ability (47.6% catch rate allowed in 2024) and others questioning GM Brian Gutekunst’s strategy.
Could Alexander land with the Philadelphia Eagles in a homecoming? The Eagles, needing cornerback depth, could pair the 28-year-old with Darius Slay and Quinyon Mitchell. Alexander’s proven man-coverage skills could thrive in Vic Fangio’s scheme, offering a low-risk, high-reward signing if he stays healthy. Philly’s cap space and playoff aspirations make it a logical fit.
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