Jaire Alexander’s tenure with the Green Bay Packers has come to an official end, as the team has decided to release the veteran cornerback. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Packers and Alexander explored trade avenues and considered restructuring his contract, but ultimately opted for a release. This move is financially motivated, with Alexander set to have a $16.2 million base salary and a $24.6 million cap hit for 2025. As a post-June 1 release, the Packers will save $17.1 million this year while absorbing dead money hits of $7.5 million in 2025 and $9.5 million in 2026. This decision marks a significant downturn for Alexander, who was once a cornerstone of the Packers’ defense, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2020 and 2022.
Alexander’s fall from grace is largely attributed to injuries that have hampered his performance over the past two seasons. Back and shoulder issues limited him to seven games in 2023, and a knee problem restricted him to the same number in 2024. Despite these setbacks, Alexander’s earlier promise was evident; he was a first-round pick in 2018 and quickly became one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks, recording 12 interceptions and starting all 16 games in his second season. His ability to lock down opponents made him a fan favorite and a critical piece of the Packers’ defensive strategy. However, the cumulative effect of injuries has diminished his reliability, prompting the Packers to make a tough call.
The release of Alexander opens up questions about his next destination and the Packers’ defensive future. At 28 years old, Alexander still possesses the talent that made him a Pro Bowler, but his injury history will be a concern for potential suitors. For the Packers, this move is part of a broader strategy to manage their salary cap and rebuild their secondary, possibly with younger, healthier options. The NFL landscape is ever-changing, and for Alexander, this is a pivotal moment to prove he can overcome his recent struggles. The 2025 season is on the horizon, and both Alexander and the Packers will be watching closely to see how this chapter unfolds.
