On June 9, 2025, the Green Bay Packers made a shocking decision to release their two-time Pro Bowl cornerback, Jaire Alexander, after seven seasons with the team. The move, reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, marks the end of a tumultuous offseason saga that saw the star defender’s future with the franchise hang in the balance. Once hailed as one of the NFL’s premier cover corners, Alexander’s departure raises questions about what led to this surprising split and what it means for both the player and the Packers moving forward.
A Stellar Career Marred by Injuries
Drafted 18th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Louisville, Jaire Alexander quickly established himself as a cornerstone of Green Bay’s defense. Known for his elite ball-hawking skills and lockdown coverage, Alexander earned Pro Bowl nods in 2020 and 2022, along with second-team All-Pro honors in 2020 and 2021. His career stats with the Packers include 12 interceptions, 70 passes defensed, and 287 tackles over 78 games, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing passing games.
In 2022, the Packers rewarded Alexander with a four-year, $84 million contract extension, briefly making him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. That season, he delivered a career-high five interceptions and ranked fifth among cornerbacks in passer rating allowed, per Pro Football Focus. However, injuries began to take a toll. Over the last two seasons, Alexander played just seven games each year, missing significant time due to shoulder, back, and other ailments. His absence from 20 of the Packers’ 36 games (including playoffs) over the past two years frustrated both the team and the player.
Contract Disputes and Failed Trade Talks
The decision to release Alexander was rooted in financial and strategic challenges. With a $24.63 million cap hit in 2025 and $17.5 million in salary owed, Alexander’s contract became a sticking point. The Packers, looking to manage their salary cap, proposed a restructured deal that would have required the 28-year-old to take a pay cut. Alexander, confident in his value as one of the league’s top corners when healthy, refused to accept the reduced terms.
Trade discussions also failed to materialize into a deal. According to Rapoport, Alexander’s high salary deterred potential trade partners, and a trade attempt earlier in the year fell through when another team balked at paying his full $17.5 million. The Packers explored trade options before and after the 2025 NFL Draft, but with no takers willing to meet their demands, Green Bay opted for a post-June 1 release. This move saves the team $17.1 million in cap space for 2025, per Over The Cap, though it leaves $7.5 million in dead money this year and $9.5 million in 2026.
Off-Field Tensions and a Plea from Jordan Love
Beyond injuries and money, off-field dynamics played a role in the Packers’ decision to move on. His absence from voluntary OTAs this offseason signaled his dissatisfaction, and multiple team sources expressed frustration with his limited availability. Despite optimism in May that a resolution could be reached, no agreement was ever finalized.
Quarterback Jordan Love publicly campaigned for Alexander’s return, calling him “a player we need back” in an April interview with Kay Adams. Love’s plea highlighted Alexander’s importance to the team’s defensive identity, but it wasn’t enough to sway the front office. General Manager Brian Gutekunst, who had invested heavily in Alexander, admitted the difficulty of the situation, noting, “it is tough on a player, and tough on the organization” when a star player cannot stay on the field.
What’s Next for Alexander?
At 28, Alexander remains a tantalizing free-agent prospect. When healthy, he’s a game-changer, capable of shutting down top receivers and creating turnovers. His injury history, however, may force him to offer him only short-term, prove-it deals. Teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers, and Jacksonville Jaguars have been mentioned as potential suitors, with Eagles fans particularly vocal on X about wanting their GM, Howie Roseman, to pursue the star corner.
For Alexander, a fresh start could be a chance to reestablish himself as an elite defender. A one-year deal with a team boasting a strong medical staff and a contending roster could set him up for a bigger contract in 2026 if he stays healthy and performs at his peak.
The Packers’ Defensive Dilemma
For Green Bay, releasing Alexander leaves a glaring hole at cornerback. The team signed Nate Hobbs in free agency, but their depth chart now relies on less proven players like Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, and seventh-round rookie Micah Robinson. With only one cornerback drafted in the last two years (Robinson), the Packers are taking a leap of faith on an untested group to face NFC North receivers like Justin Jefferson and Amon-Ra St. Brown.
The $17.1 million in cap savings gives Green Bay flexibility to address this need, potentially through a trade for a veteran like Miami’s Jalen Ramsey, as suggested by Sporting News. However, the loss of Alexander’s experience and playmaking ability could hinder a defense aiming to support the Packers’ Super Bowl aspirations.
A Bittersweet End
Jaire Alexander’s tenure with the Packers was marked by brilliance and frustration. His ability to change games with interceptions and clutch plays made him a fan favorite, but injuries and contract disputes ultimately ended his time in Green Bay. As Alexander hits the open market and the Packers pivot to a younger, cheaper secondary, both sides face uncertainty but also opportunity. For Alexander, it’s a chance to prove he’s still among the NFL’s elite. For Green Bay, it’s a gamble on youth and cap flexibility to build a championship contender.
The NFL world will be watching to see where Alexander lands and whether the Packers’ bold move pays off. One thing is certain: this breakup, while mutual in some respects, leaves both sides with plenty to prove in 2025.