Considering a player who has participated in 20.30% of the defensive snaps in 2021, 87.22% in 2022, 40.14% in 2023, and 33.15% in 2024, while missing 34 of the last 68 games across four years, it seems straightforward to part ways, especially when doing so can save $37 million over the next two seasons.
However, the decision isn’t simple for the Green Bay Packers concerning Jaire Alexander. Despite his injury struggles, the All-Pro cornerback still performs exceptionally well when fit, complicating the decision. This offseason, the Packers are open to trading Alexander but are hesitant to release him without compensation.
The reasons are predictable. “Yeah, Ja is a phenomenal player,” head coach Matt LaFleur mentioned during an ‘Up and Adams’ interview this week. “Unfortunately, he’s been plagued by injuries recently, missing a lot of games. It’s challenging to reach your full potential when you’re not on the field.” The Packers struggle to find a trade partner as no team is keen to pay $17.5 million for Alexander given his injury history. This prompts Green Bay to explore internal solutions, likely involving a contract adjustment.
“That’s something we’re working on,” LaFleur added. “Hopefully, we’ll resolve it soon.” Alexander’s contract extension, signed three years ago, offers no guarantees now, allowing the Packers to release him without paying his $17.5 million salary in 2025. However, they would face $7.518 million in dead money in 2025 and $9.525 million in 2026 if released post-June 1, but would save $17.117 million this year, $17.493 million next year, and $2.005 million in 2027 by moving on.
Conversely, if Jaire agrees to a salary reduction, retaining him could be sensible. The adjustment might involve a decrease in base salary, adding incentives based on playing time that enable the player to recoup the money and provide the Packers with salary cap relief this season. All options would be reconsidered next offseason. As Brian Gutekunst’s first draft choice as general manager, Jaire Alexander remains a crucial component of the defensive back unit.
Without him, the top three cornerbacks on the team are Keisean Nixon, Nate Hobbs, and Carrington Valentine—with depth beyond them being quite concerning. However, with the 2026 cap projections and Alexander’s injury history, Green Bay seeks protection, creating this complex dilemma.
