When it comes to big surprises in the NFL offseason, this one's right up there: Jaire Alexander is officially done in Green Bay. The All-Pro cornerback is being released, according to a source close to the team who confirmed the news on Monday. For Packers fans and NFL followers alike, this is the kind of move that sends shockwaves—because this isn’t just some average roster cut.
Let’s rewind a bit. Jaire Alexander was more than just a high-level starter—he was the guy in Green Bay’s secondary. Drafted 18th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Louisville, Alexander was viewed as a cornerstone of the franchise’s defense. And honestly, he delivered—at least early on. With sticky coverage, explosive athleticism, and a personality to match, he brought swagger to the Packers’ backfield.
So what changed?
Well, injuries started to pile up, and that’s where the trouble really began. Over the last two seasons, Alexander suited up for just 14 games total—which is a tough pill to swallow when you’re the team’s highest-paid defender. Shoulder issues and knee problems limited his availability, and let’s be real, the NFL’s not kind to those who can’t stay on the field.
Last season alone, he only started seven games, finishing with 16 tackles, seven passes defended, two picks, and a fumble recovery. Not bad on paper, but definitely not elite-tier stats—especially when you remember this is a guy who was once shutting down WR1s week after week. He even snagged his first career pick-six, but one highlight can’t make up for the consistent missed time.
To make matters more complicated, Alexander was noticeably absent from voluntary offseason workouts. That may not be a deal-breaker for every player, but for a veteran with mounting injury concerns and a hefty cap hit, skipping team activities only fuels trade rumors and release speculation.
And speaking of rumors—Packers GM Brian Gutekunst had already floated the idea of a trade earlier this offseason. He didn’t deny that conversations were happening. But in the end, no deal came together. It was a gamble the Packers played, hoping to either move Alexander or see him bounce back. Neither of those scenarios worked out, so the team made the tough call.
Now, there’s some silver lining—for Green Bay at least. Releasing Alexander frees up over $17 million in cap space. In today’s NFL economy, that’s not chump change. That kind of room gives the front office some flexibility heading into the season, especially with the team in transition and building around its young quarterback, Jordan Love.
Let’s break that down:
🔹 Contract Timeline:
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Alexander signed a 4-year, $84 million extension in 2022.
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He restructured it in 2023.
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He was locked in through 2026.
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But now, he's out the door with over $17 million saved for the Pack.
🔹 Career Stats (so far):
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287 tackles, 70 pass breakups, and 12 interceptions.
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Added 12 tackles for loss, 4 fumble recoveries, 3 forced fumbles, and 1.5 sacks.
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78 games in green and gold, and a ton of highlight-reel moments.
When healthy, Jaire Alexander is elite. There’s no debating that. His ability to lock down receivers, force turnovers, and play with attitude made him one of the best corners in the league during his peak. That’s why he earned Pro Bowl nods in 2020 and 2022, and why his contract was among the biggest ever handed to a defensive back in franchise history.
But the NFL is a business. And in Green Bay, the front office isn’t afraid to make tough calls—even with fan favorites.
As minicamp kicks off this week (Tuesday through Thursday), Packers players will report without their former CB1. It’ll be interesting to see who steps up in the secondary. Will the young corners like Eric Stokes or Carrington Valentine be ready to fill those big shoes? Or will the Packers go shopping with that extra $17 million in their wallet?
Either way, there’s a changing of the guard in Wisconsin.
And what about Alexander himself? He’s just 28. Plenty of tread left on the tires—if he can stay healthy. Teams will definitely be interested. Expect playoff contenders with shaky secondaries to check in. Maybe the Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles, or even Kansas City Chiefs take a flyer.
For now, though, the chapter in Green Bay is officially closed.
It’s a bittersweet moment. Packers fans watched this guy rise from rookie to Pro Bowler. He brought energy, leadership, and plenty of jawing at the line of scrimmage. That stuff won’t be forgotten. But unfortunately, neither will the last two injury-riddled seasons.
In a league where availability is often the best ability, Jaire Alexander couldn’t stay on the field—and that made him expendable.
This move marks a serious statement from the Packers: they’re looking forward, not backward. Whether or not that gamble pays off, only time will tell.
But one thing’s for sure: Jaire Alexander’s next destination is going to be one of the biggest free agency stories to watch this summer.
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