The Green Bay Packers are likely to either trade or cut cornerback Jaire Alexander, although a final decision isn’t imminent. At the NFL Meetings in Florida, general manager Brian Gutekunst discussed the scenario, noting that the situation remains flexible.

“We’re still sorting that out. He’s obviously a key player for us,” Gutekunst explained. “We have some time to determine what’s best for him and the organization.” The decision is primarily financial for the Packers. Jaire has two years remaining on his contract, set to earn $17.5 million in 2025 and $19.5 million in 2026, but none of it is guaranteed.

Keeping him would result in a $24.994 million cap hit in 2025 and $27.376 million in 2026. Despite this, Gutekunst hasn’t dismissed the possibility of retaining Alexander this season. “That’s entirely possible,” he said. “We’re in the midst of that process right now.” A notable aspect is that the Packers aren’t pressured to decide before week 1.

There is no trigger date in Alexander’s contract, allowing the team to avoid the urgency of making a move before the draft. Trading Alexander could provide valuable draft capital, but there’s no need to hurry if nothing comes through. Gutekunst mentioned, “That would be beneficial, but it’s not guaranteed.”

Releasing or trading Alexander before June would result in $18.117 million in dead money but free up $6.876 million in cap space. More crucially, it would save the team $27.376 million against the cap in 2026 and $2.364 million in 2027. Jaire was Brian Gutekunst’s first draft pick as general manager in 2018.