Packers Set to Part Ways with Cornerback Jaire Alexander
On Monday, a source revealed that the Green Bay Packers are poised to release veteran cornerback Jaire Alexander, a decision that has not yet been publicly confirmed by the team.
This insider, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the announcement, indicated that NFL Network was the first to break the news. The impending release marks the end of a seven-year tenure for Alexander with the Packers, during which he earned two Pro Bowl selections and recorded 12 interceptions. However, injuries have plagued his recent seasons, limiting his contributions on the field.
Expected to generate approximately $17 million in cap space, this move comes as the Packers gear up for their mandatory minicamp this week. Speculation surrounding Alexander's future had intensified throughout the offseason, primarily due to his substantial contract and ongoing injury concerns. He still had two years left on a four-year, $84 million extension signed in May 2022.
Drafted 18th overall in 2018 from Louisville, the 28-year-old cornerback has spent his entire career in Green Bay. Despite making Pro Bowls in 2020 and 2022, he has only participated in 34 of the Packers' 68 regular-season games over the past four years.
Last season, Alexander missed two early games due to quadriceps and groin injuries. He later sat out a November 3 loss against Detroit with a knee issue, returned briefly against Chicago, but ultimately was sidelined for the remainder of the season.
The Packers appear ready to move forward without their top cornerback when healthy, especially after losing 2021 first-round pick Eric Stokes, who faced his own injury challenges before signing with the Las Vegas Raiders in March.
Returning to the roster is Keisean Nixon, a two-time All-Pro kickoff returner who has increasingly contributed on defense in recent seasons. Additionally, Carrington Valentine, a seventh-round pick from 2023, has started 19 games over the last two years. The team also bolstered its cornerback depth by signing former Raiders player Nate Hobbs and drafting Micah Robinson from Tulane.
Alexander's early career success led to a lucrative contract that included a $30 million signing bonus, despite a shoulder injury that limited him to just four games in 2021. He made a comeback for the NFC divisional playoff loss to San Francisco that same season.
However, injuries continued to hinder his performance. In 2022, he started all 16 games and achieved a career-high five interceptions but played only seven regular-season games in each of the last two years. When available, he has proven effective in pass coverage.
Most of his absences were due to injuries, with one notable exception: Alexander faced suspension for conduct detrimental to the team during a late-season game in 2023 after he appointed himself captain and participated in the coin toss for a Christmas Eve victory against Carolina, his hometown team.
Prior to his injury struggles, Alexander attempted to ignite a rivalry with Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson. Following Jefferson's impressive performance of 184 yards and two touchdowns against the Packers in Kevin O'Connell's inaugural game as head coach, Alexander dismissed it as a fluke. In a subsequent matchup, he even performed Jefferson's signature dance move after an incomplete pass.
Jefferson responded with his own remarks, suggesting that "nobody is really worried" about Alexander and pointed out that the Packers often provided him with safety help over the top during matchups.
