In a stunning turn of events, the Green Bay Packers have officially released their two-time All-Pro cornerback, Jaire Alexander, on Monday, June 9, 2025. The news, first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, has sent shockwaves through the NFL, but what’s even more surprising is the potential landing spot for the star defender—a destination that will leave Packers fans reeling: the Minnesota Vikings.
A Bitter Pill for Packers Fans
The idea of Jaire Alexander donning the purple and gold of the Minnesota Vikings, a hated NFC North rival, is nothing short of a nightmare for Green Bay faithful. According to a report from Packers Wire, the Vikings are a logical fit for Alexander, given their need for a premier cornerback to bolster their secondary. With players like Mekhi Blackmon, Isaiah Rodgers, and Jeff Okudah failing to solidify the outside corner positions, Alexander’s elite coverage skills could transform Minnesota’s defense overnight.
Kay Adams, host of the Up & Adams podcast, fueled the speculation shortly after the release was announced, suggesting that Minnesota makes “the most sense” for Alexander. “Go to the Vikings… They need a corner!” Adams exclaimed, a comment that undoubtedly sent chills down the spines of Packers fans.
This wouldn’t be the first time a Packers star has crossed the border to Minnesota. Legends like Brett Favre, Greg Jennings, Za’Darius Smith, and most recently, running back Aaron Jones, have made the same journey, each move stinging Green Bay fans deeply. If Alexander joins Jones in Minnesota, it would be yet another chapter in this painful narrative.
Why the Vikings?
The Vikings are looking to replace key pieces in their secondary, including Camryn Bynum, Shaquill Griffin, and Stephon Gilmore from last year’s roster. Alexander, a proven shutdown corner when healthy, would be an immediate upgrade. Despite his injury history, Alexander’s performance in 2024—allowing a 79.9 passer rating and recording two interceptions in just seven games—shows he still has the ability to dominate. At 28 years old, he remains a highly sought-after free agent who could command significant interest from playoff contenders.
Minnesota’s already formidable roster, combined with Alexander’s potential addition, could make them a serious threat in the NFC North. For Packers fans, the thought of facing their former defensive cornerstone twice a year is a bitter prospect, especially if he’s locking down their receivers at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The End of an Era in Green Bay
Alexander’s release marks the end of a tumultuous seven-year tenure with the Packers. Selected 18th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, he quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier cornerbacks, earning Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors in 2020 and 2022. Over his career in Green Bay, he recorded 12 interceptions, 70 passes defensed, and three postseason picks, including two against Tom Brady in the 2020 NFC Championship Game.
However, injuries plagued Alexander in recent years, with the cornerback missing 10 or more games in three of the last four seasons, including 20 of the team’s last 34 regular-season games since 2023. His $24.6 million cap hit in 2025, combined with an inability to agree on a restructured, incentive-laden contract, ultimately led to his release. The Packers will save over $17 million in cap space but will absorb over $7 million in dead money in both 2025 and 2026.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst, who made Alexander his first-ever draft pick, expressed gratitude for his contributions. “In his seven seasons with the Packers, Jaire established himself as one of the premier players in the NFL at one of the game’s most challenging positions,” Gutekunst said in a press release. “We appreciate all he gave and we wish him all the best moving forward.”
What’s Next for Alexander?
While the Vikings are a leading candidate, other playoff contenders like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Rams, and Cincinnati Bengals have also been mentioned as potential suitors. The Steelers, in particular, could be intriguing, as Alexander would reunite with former Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who recently signed with Pittsburgh.
Wherever Alexander lands, his next move will be closely watched. Posts on X reflect the intense reaction to his release, with some fans speculating he’ll stay in the NFC North to haunt Green Bay, while others believe he’ll join a Super Bowl contender like the San Francisco 49ers.
A New Chapter Awaits
For now, the possibility of Jaire Alexander joining the Minnesota Vikings looms large, threatening to add another layer of rivalry to the storied Packers-Vikings feud. Packers fans may need to brace themselves for the sight of their former star in enemy colors, a scenario that seemed unthinkable just a few years ago when Alexander was locking down the NFL’s best receivers in green and gold.
Stay tuned as this blockbuster story develops, and let us know your thoughts: Are you shocked by this potential move, or did you see it coming?