The Green Bay Packers are reportedly considering a bold move that could reshape their roster and financial outlook for the 2025 season. According to recent reports, the team is contemplating parting ways with All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander, a decision that could free up a significant $17 million in salary cap space. With training camp just over a month away, the ongoing stalemate between Alexander and the Packers has reached a critical juncture, and the resolution could have far-reaching implications for the team’s future.
A Stalemate with No End in Sight
For weeks, tensions have been brewing between the Packers and their star cornerback. Despite multiple reports indicating that the team has offered Alexander a restructured contract, the two-time Pro Bowler has yet to sign any deal or make a firm commitment to participate in organized team activities (OTAs) or the upcoming mandatory minicamp. This absence has fueled speculation about Alexander’s future with the franchise.
As mandatory minicamp approaches, the situation is expected to come into sharper focus. Alexander’s participation—or lack thereof—will likely provide clarity on whether he and the Packers can mend their relationship or if a split is inevitable. However, one analyst believes the time for reconciliation has passed and that the Packers should take decisive action.
Analyst Urges Packers to Move On
In a recent article for Bleacher Report, analyst Alex Kay made a compelling case for why the Packers should cut ties with Alexander this June. Kay argues that releasing the talented but injury-prone defensive back could provide significant financial relief for the team, allowing them to address other roster needs ahead of the 2025 season.
“While the Packers would have structured any trade agreement to occur after June 1 (giving the team $17 million in instant cap relief against a $7.5 million dead money hit, rather than reversing those figures in a pre-June 1 move), the team could not find a taker for the talented but injury-prone defensive back,” Kay wrote. “Green Bay was also facing the same $17.1 million dead money/$7.5 million savings split if it cut Alexander before June, but it now has the option to outright release him for far more significant savings. This immediate relief frees up more cash to spend on free agents ahead of training camp.”
Kay’s analysis highlights the financial incentive for cutting Alexander, particularly after June 1, when the cap savings would be maximized. The $17 million in cap space could be used to bolster other areas of the roster, such as the offensive line, linebacker corps, or additional depth in the secondary.
Weighing Alexander’s Value
Jaire Alexander has long been a cornerstone of the Packers’ defense. Known for his elite coverage skills and ability to shut down top receivers—like his memorable performance against Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson in 2023—Alexander has proven himself as one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks. However, injuries have plagued him in recent seasons, raising questions about his durability and long-term value.
If the Packers no longer believe Alexander can stay healthy or perform at the All-Pro level that justified his lucrative contract, cutting him could be a pragmatic move. The cap savings would provide general manager Brian Gutekunst with the flexibility to address other roster holes, whether through free agency or by re-signing key players. Additionally, the emergence of younger talent in the secondary could make the decision to move on from Alexander more palatable.
What’s Next for Green Bay?
As the mandatory minicamp looms, all eyes will be on Jaire Alexander and his interactions with the team. Will he show up and signal a willingness to work through the current impasse, or will his absence solidify the case for a separation? For now, the Packers face a critical decision: hold onto a proven star with injury concerns or take a bold step to free up cap space and reshape their roster.
With $17 million in potential savings on the line, the outcome of this saga could define Green Bay’s approach to the 2025 season. Stay tuned as this story develops in the coming weeks.