The NFL offseason has been a whirlwind of surprising roster moves, but few have sparked as much shock and debate among fans as the Green Bay Packers’ decision to release two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander, only for the Kansas City Chiefs to seize the opportunity to sign him. The move, reported on June 10, 2025, by Sports Illustrated, has left fans across the league stunned, with many labeling Alexander as a “hidden gem” for the Chiefs’ already formidable defense. This article explores the context of this blockbuster signing, the reactions from the NFL community, and the potential impact on both teams.
The Context: Packers Release Jaire Alexander
The Green Bay Packers made headlines on June 9, 2025, when they announced the release of Jaire Alexander, a cornerstone of their defense since being drafted in the first round (No. 18 overall) in 2018. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that the decision came after months of uncertainty surrounding Alexander’s future with the team, driven by his injury-plagued recent seasons and a hefty $24.6 million cap hit for 2025. Despite attempts to trade him or restructure his contract, no deal materialized, and Alexander declined a proposed pay reduction to stay in Green Bay.
Alexander’s tenure with the Packers was marked by elite performance when healthy, with 12 interceptions, 80 passes defensed, and two Pro Bowl appearances (2020, 2022) over seven seasons. However, injuries limited him to just 14 games over the past two seasons, including a torn PCL that required knee surgery in 2024. Frustrations over his availability and the financial burden of his contract led to the Packers’ decision to cut ties, saving approximately $17.1 million in cap space with a post-June 1 designation.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst expressed appreciation for Alexander’s contributions, stating, “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. His contributions to our organization were felt on the field, in the locker room, and in our community, and he will be missed.” Yet, the move was a gamble, as the Packers now rely on a younger secondary led by Keisean Nixon, Nate Hobbs, and Carrington Valentine to fill the void.
The Chiefs Swoop In: A Strategic Signing
The Kansas City Chiefs, fresh off a Super Bowl LVIII victory, wasted no time capitalizing on the Packers’ decision. On June 10, 2025, Sports Illustrated reported that the Chiefs were among the top suitors to sign Alexander, a move seen as a low-risk, high-reward addition to their secondary. The Chiefs have been searching for a reliable cornerback to pair with their star, Trent McDuffie, as opposing offenses frequently targeted the opposite side of the field in 2024. Alexander, when healthy, is a proven shutdown corner, with a 2022 season that included 56 tackles, five interceptions, and 14 passes defensed, earning him a Pro Bowl nod.
The Chiefs’ interest in Alexander was no surprise. As early as May 2025, NFL insider Albert Breer named Kansas City as one of four potential trade destinations for Alexander, citing their need for a high-caliber cornerback despite limited cap space of $12 million. With Alexander now a free agent, the Chiefs could sign him to a one-year, incentive-laden deal, mitigating the financial risk tied to his injury history. This aligns with Kansas City’s strategy of adding veteran talent on short-term contracts, as seen with their recent signings like offensive tackle Jaylon Moore and receiver Mecole Hardman.
Fan Reactions: Shock and Excitement
The NFL fanbase erupted on social media, particularly on X, with reactions ranging from disbelief at the Packers’ decision to excitement over the Chiefs’ coup. Posts on X captured the sentiment, with one prominent account, @PatMcAfeeShow, quoting Ian Rapoport: “I was a little surprised that the Packers released Jaire Alexander… It just didn’t work out and I think he’s gonna have a real market.” Fans echoed this sentiment, with many Packers supporters lamenting the loss of a player of Alexander’s caliber. One user posted, “How do you let a two-time All-Pro walk? Gutekunst better have a plan, because this hurts.” Meanwhile, Chiefs fans celebrated, with comments like, “Mahomes and now Jaire? Good luck, AFC!” reflecting the optimism surrounding Kansas City’s bolstered roster.
Critics of the Packers’ move pointed to the team’s already thin secondary, which struggled against top passers like Jared Goff and Sam Darnold in 2024. Supporters, however, argued that Alexander’s injury concerns and high cap hit justified the release, especially with emerging talents like Nate Hobbs, who signed a four-year, $48 million deal, and Keisean Nixon ready to step up. On the Chiefs’ side, fans and analysts see Alexander as a potential game-changer, with one X post stating, “If Jaire stays healthy, him and McDuffie could be the best CB duo in the NFL. Chiefs just stole a gem.”
Impact on Both Teams
For the Packers, releasing Alexander is a bold bet on their young secondary and financial flexibility. The move frees up significant cap space, allowing General Manager Brian Gutekunst to pursue other free agents or extend key players like offensive lineman Zach Tom or linebacker Quay Walker, both due for new contracts in 2026. However, the loss of Alexander’s playmaking ability could expose Green Bay’s defense, especially in a division with potent offenses like the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings. The Packers’ confidence in their depth, as expressed by team president Mark Murphy, will be tested early in the 2025 season.
For the Chiefs, signing Alexander could elevate their defense to new heights. Pairing him with Trent McDuffie creates a formidable cornerback tandem capable of neutralizing top