It’s becoming more and more likely that Jaire Alexander has already played his last down as a member of the Green Bay Packers. After a ESPN report indicating that sources on the Packers are frustrated with the cornerback’s inability to be available because of injuries, it’s hard to get back and reestablish a partnership.

At this point, it’s more a matter of how and when, not if, Jaire will be let go. But for the Packers, the how truly matters. And if general manager Brian Gutekunst is able to trade Alexander instead of releasing him, it would be a big plus for several reasons.

Let’s discuss them.

Compensation

The cornerback is slated to make $17.5 million in 2025 and $19.5 million in 2026, but nothing of it is guaranteed. Based on Alexander’s contract and injury history, it’s hard to imagine someone would be willing to pay it. That’s why it’s hard for the Packers to get any type of value out of the situation. That being said, any type of compensation is helpful. Gutekunst has gotten some good players in the seventh round, like cornerback Carrington Valentine and left tackle Rasheed Walker. A late-round swap could also be useful, since it’s better than just releasing him—this is the most obvious point of them all.

Destination

How many players left the Packers and went directly to divisional rivals? Greg Jennings, Za’Darius Smith, and Aaron Jones signed with the Minnesota Vikings, Josh Sitton went to the Chicago Bears, all after being cut by Green Bay. Jamaal Williams and Tim Boyle signed with the Detroit Lions in unrestricted free agency.

So yes, there is a real chance that if the Packers release Alexander, he will end up going back to the NFC North on a cheaper deal and be motivated to face Green Bay twice a year.

If the Packers are able to get a trade, even if the value is extremely low, at least they have the power to choose Jaire’s new team—which would probably mean a team in the AFC, or at least out of the NFC North.

Narrative

Jaire Alexander has been one of the best defensive players of the Packers last decade. Injuries suck, obviously, but it would be hard to cut him without any type of compensation. In 2022, the Packers had to cut Za’Darius Smith because they needed the relief to be cap compliant. Now, they have more financial flexibility, so waiting and getting a trade would make the situation feel much better.

No harm

The only downside of a trade in these situations is that the original team can’t apply a post-June 1st designation to split the dead money—that’s why the Packers had to handle Aaron Rodgers’ $40.3 million in dead money all at once.

But this is not a real problem for the Packers at this point. With a comfortable financial situation, it’s even better for Green Bay to absorb the dead money as soon as possible and free up the future. Moreover, the cap savings (around $6 million) from parting ways with Jaire would be available as soon as the trade is executed, in time for the front office to make moves in free agency if necessary.