The Green Bay Packers have had a relatively subdued beginning to free agency. While other NFL teams are spending lavishly on free agents, the Packers have opted for a more strategic approach, acquiring only offensive guard Aaron Banks and cornerback Nate Hobbs in the early days of the market.
Both players are seen as valuable additions to Green Bay, though Hobbs’ signing might have more significant implications. With the uncertainty surrounding star cornerback Jaire Alexander’s future with the team, Hobbs could find himself taking on a more prominent role.
If Alexander were to leave, it would open up opportunities for the rest of the Packers’ cornerback lineup, including the newly acquired Hobbs. Despite the uncertainty about his future in Green Bay, Alexander did not hesitate to reach out to his new teammate.
Packers Update: Jaire Alexander Connects with Nate Hobbs Amid Uncertain Future in Green Bay. On Wednesday, Hobbs had a conversation with The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman, where they discussed various offseason topics, such as his reasons for joining the Packers and reuniting with assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Richard Bisaccia.
When asked if he had spoken with anyone from the organization, Hobbs mentioned that Alexander was among those who contacted him. “Yeah, X (Xavier McKinney) reached out to me,” Hobbs said during a phone interview. “Rashan Gary, Jaire Alexander actually congratulated me… Those are the guys I’ve heard from so far.”
Alexander’s gesture to welcome Hobbs to the Packers should not be overlooked. It’s not the kind of action one would expect from a player contemplating leaving, suggesting that Alexander might be interested in staying in Green Bay. At 28, Alexander is entering his eighth season with the Packers after being drafted 18th overall in 2018.
Despite being one of the NFL’s elite cornerbacks when healthy, he has struggled with injuries over recent seasons, appearing in just 34 games since 2021. The Charlotte, NC native is on shaky ground this offseason, with only two years and roughly $34.3 million—none of it guaranteed—remaining on his contract, making him a potential trade candidate.
However, it remains uncertain if there are any serious contenders for his services. According to Pro Football Focus, the Packers concluded the 2024 season with the fourth-best coverage grade (83.4). If Alexander stays healthy and remains with the team, he could help Hobbs and Keisean Nixon emulate that success in the coming seasons.