Packers Release Cornerback Amid Injury Concerns
The Jaire Alexander saga in Green Bay has officially come to an end. The Packers are releasing the cornerback on Monday, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, citing sources familiar with the situation.
Months of Uncertainty Finally Resolved
This decision follows a prolonged period of speculation surrounding the two-time Pro Bowler. Earlier in the offseason, it appeared inevitable that the Packers would part ways with Alexander, either via trade or release. However, no trade materialized during the 2025 NFL Draft, prompting both sides to seek a resolution.
The Packers reportedly proposed a pay cut in an attempt to retain the former first-round pick. Alexander ultimately rejected the restructured offer, leading to his release and transition to free agency.
Release Coincides with Minicamp
The move comes just as the Packers are set to begin mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. While talent was never in question for the 28-year-old cornerback, his health has been a recurring concern. Since being selected in the first round of the 2018 draft, Alexander has proven to be one of the NFL’s most reliable cover men when healthy.
In 2022, his abilities earned him a four-year, $84 million contract extension with the team. Unfortunately, persistent injuries have severely limited his availability, including: groin, back, shoulder, and knee issues. Over the past two seasons, Alexander appeared in only 14 regular-season games and missed the final eight contests of 2024, including the Wild Card Round loss to the Eagles.
Team President Cites Availability as Key Factor
Packers president Mark Murphy addressed the situation in an interview with Dave Schroeder of WBAY on Monday. “Well, first of all, he’s been a great player for us,” Murphy said. “Obviously, elite talent and you know unfortunately just injured a lot. It’s kind of unfortunate that’s a big part of the game.”
Given his skills, Alexander is likely to attract interest from other teams. However, his recent injury history will likely impact the financial terms of his next deal, making it significantly lower than the $16.15 million base salary he was set to earn this season with Green Bay.
Packers Prepared to Move Forward
The team had already been preparing to enter the 2025 season without Alexander, so the move doesn’t drastically alter their on-field outlook. The cornerback depth chart will now be led by Keisean Nixon, free-agent addition Nate Hobbs, Carrington Valentine, Kalen King, and seventh-round pick Micah Robinson.
Murphy expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adjust to the departure. “I feel pretty good,” Murphy said of the team absorbing Alexander’s departure. “I think Keisean Nixon, what a great story undrafted and an All-Pro returner. The reality is for the last four years for Jaire, it’s about half of the games that he’s been able to play. So, we kind of have been used to it.”
