The Green Bay Packers have officially decided to part ways with star cornerback Jaire Alexander, a significant move that marks the end of an era for the team’s secondary. After seven seasons, the organization reached the conclusion that a change was necessary following extensive discussions about potential trade options throughout the offseason. Ultimately, no deals were struck, leading to this pivotal decision.
Drafted as the 18th overall pick in 2018, Alexander has made a major impact in Green Bay, earning two Pro Bowl selections and two second-team All-Pro nods. During his time with the Packers, he amassed impressive statistics: 287 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 12 interceptions, three forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries. His talent has undeniably placed him among the top cornerbacks in the league, especially when healthy, though recent seasons have been marred by injuries. Since 2021, Alexander has only participated in 34 of a possible 68 games and has surpassed seven games in a season just once during this timeframe—his standout 2022 campaign where he earned those Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.
As part of his four-year, $80 million contract extension, Alexander was set to make a base salary of $16.15 million in 2025. This decision to release him won’t completely sting the Packers’ salary cap. With a post-June 1 designation, the immediate cap charge will be just $7.5 million, translating to a notable saving of over $17 million against the cap.
At just 28 years old, Alexander still has plenty of football left to play, which opens the door to a range of potential suitors eager to add him to their roster. Let’s explore a few of the most likely destinations where he could leave his mark:
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins currently find themselves navigating some discontent in their secondary with Jalen Ramsey’s ongoing situation. Despite that, adding a player of Alexander’s caliber could significantly bolster their defensive backfield. Given Miami’s depth issues at cornerback, Alexander would instantly become their top option upon arrival.
San Francisco 49ers
With Charvarius Ward vacating the roster via free agency, the 49ers are in a position where they might need to fill a cornerback spot. Presently, they appear poised to start either Tre Brown, who’s looking for a resurgence, or rookie Upton Stout. Bringing Alexander aboard offers a high-upside veteran presence that could capitalize on a favorable salary cap situation, where the Niners hold a substantial $46.6 million in room.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are notorious for their aggressive pursuit of elite talent, and Alexander fits that mold perfectly. After parting ways with Darius Slay and Isaiah Rodgers this offseason, the Eagles have only Kelee Ringo and Adoree’ Jackson as starters. Acquiring Alexander would not only enhance their secondary but also help to recreate the dynamic play they enjoyed last season.
Los Angeles Rams
Similar to the Eagles, the Rams are also known for pursuing top players. Their cornerback situation is relatively stable with Darious Williams and Ahkello Witherspoon, but in light of Alexander’s skill set, they could elevate their secondary even further. With some versatility in their cornerback slots, Alexander’s addition would be a significant boost.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have a well-established reputation for targeting star talent. Alexander’s release after June 1 means he won’t impact their compensatory pick formula, making him an appealing option. Baltimore has already brought in Chidobe Awuzie to bolster their cornerback room, but Alexander’s talent could provide an even greater edge—especially with recent changes affecting their defensive backfield’s versatility.
Minnesota Vikings
With Brian Flores at the helm of the defense, the Vikings are looking for reliability in their secondary. While their current personnel has been adaptable, Alexander’s presence would be an immediate upgrade and could change the landscape of their defensive schemes, creating interesting matchups alongside the likes of Byron Murphy and Harrison Smith.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have quite a few potential answers in their secondary, yet many are either unproven or battling injuries, like Trevon Diggs. Adding Alexander, while he’s also dealt with his share of injuries, could provide them with a much-needed anchor in the cornerback position—a player who, at his best, would be a standout option on their defense.
Atlanta Falcons
Just imagine the excitement of Alexander locked in on one side opposite A.J. Terrell. It would be a fun pairing to watch unfold, but the Falcons currently sit at around $5 million in cap space. Making this move work would require some creative financial adjustments. Nonetheless, with their current cornerback lineup featuring players like Mike Hughes and Bill Bowman Jr., adding a talent like Alexander could transform their alignments and effectiveness on the field.
As the dust settles on this decision, the landscape of both the Packers and the teams that might pursue Alexander is shaping up to be quite intriguing. The options are plentiful, and for Alexander, the opportunity to reinvigorate his career appears ripe. With so many possibilities ahead, it will be exciting to see who ultimately secures his services and how he impacts their defensive strategy.
