In a stunning turn of events, the Green Bay Packers have parted ways with veteran cornerback Jaire Alexander, a two-time All-Pro who was in the midst of an $84 million contract. The release, which sent shockwaves through the NFL, stemmed from a contentious contract dispute centered on the lack of guaranteed money in Alexander’s deal. Now, the 28-year-old star has signed with the Baltimore Ravens, setting the stage for an explosive reunion with his former teammate, Aaron Rodgers, who recently joined the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A Bitter Contract Dispute Leads to Alexander’s Exit
The decision to release Alexander came down to a disagreement over contract guarantees, a sticking point that proved insurmountable for the Packers’ front office and the veteran cornerback. According to Alexander’s father, the issue wasn’t the dollar amount but the absence of guaranteed money in the deal.
“To not have any guarantees in there was where we had the issue,” his father explained. “It’s kind of insulting to come to a two-time All-Pro, and somebody who gave blood, sweat, and tears to you, and to not have any guarantees.”
Alexander, who spent five seasons with the Packers, was a cornerstone of their defense, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2020 and 2022. His departure marks a significant loss for Green Bay, but it’s an even bigger gain for one of their fiercest rivals.
Joining Forces with the Ravens—Rodgers’ Biggest Rival
By signing with the Baltimore Ravens, Alexander has aligned himself with one of the AFC’s most formidable teams—and a hated enemy of Aaron Rodgers’ new squad, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Ravens and Steelers have a storied rivalry, with their matchups often carrying playoff implications. This season, the two teams are set to clash in Week 14 and Week 18, meaning Alexander will face off against Rodgers not once, but twice.
The matchup carries extra intrigue given the history between the two players. As teammates in Green Bay from 2018 to 2022, Rodgers and Alexander frequently went head-to-head in practice, sharpening each other’s skills. Now, their competition will play out on the NFL stage, with Alexander tasked with shutting down Rodgers’ passing game.
NBC’s Mike Florio highlighted the significance of the matchup, writing, “With Alexander joining the Ravens, he’ll see former Packers teammate Aaron Rodgers twice this year. The Steelers and Ravens cross paths in Week 14 and Week 18.”
Will Alexander intercept Rodgers, or will the 41-year-old quarterback torch his former teammate? The stakes couldn’t be higher in what promises to be one of the season’s most compelling storylines.
Aaron Rodgers: In Peak Form at 41
Rodgers, now in his first season with the Pittsburgh Steelers after stints with the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets, is reportedly in the best shape of his career. At 41, the four-time MVP has defied Father Time, reshaping his body to maintain elite performance.
“I can say here – and I think I’m 100 percent right – [Rodgers] is in the best shape and changed his body a little bit to fit who he really is,” said Super Bowl champion Phil Simms on his podcast.
Rodgers’ move to Pittsburgh offers him a chance to cement his legacy in what could be his final NFL season. Remarkably, a Steelers victory over the Packers this year would allow Rodgers to achieve a rare feat: defeating every NFL team in his career. However, his matchups against Alexander and the Ravens could complicate that goal.
A Rivalry Renewed with Playoff Implications
The Steelers-Ravens games in Weeks 14 and 18 are shaping up to be must-watch events. Beyond the personal stakes for Rodgers and Alexander, these games could determine playoff seeding in the ultra-competitive AFC North. The Ravens, bolstered by Alexander’s addition to an already stout secondary, will look to exploit any weaknesses in Pittsburgh’s passing game. Meanwhile, Rodgers’ experience and poise under pressure make him a dangerous threat to Baltimore’s defense.
The bad blood between the Steelers and Ravens only adds fuel to the fire. For Alexander, facing Rodgers as an opponent after five years as teammates is a chance to prove himself against one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. For Rodgers, it’s an opportunity to outduel a former ally and keep Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes alive.
The Packers’ Loss is the Ravens’ Gain
Green Bay’s decision to cut Alexander may haunt them as they watch their former star thrive in Baltimore. The Packers’ secondary, already in transition, now faces questions about its ability to compete in a pass-heavy NFC North. Meanwhile, the Ravens have gained a lockdown cornerback capable of matching up with the league’s top receivers—and quarterbacks like Rodgers.
As the 2025 NFL season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Rodgers-Alexander showdowns. After years of camaraderie in Green Bay, their new roles as rivals promise drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments. Will Rodgers continue his late-career renaissance, or will Alexander get the last laugh? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this is one rivalry you won’t want to miss.