The Green Bay Packers are reportedly set to part ways with seasoned cornerback Jaire Alexander, according to information shared by a source close to the team. The decision, as described by this insider who requested anonymity due to the lack of an official announcement, marks the conclusion of Alexander’s seven-year tenure with the Packers.
This move, first noted by the NFL Network, signifies the end of an era during which Alexander achieved considerable success, including two Pro Bowl selections and 12 interceptions. However, a series of injuries over recent seasons have hindered his availability on the field. By releasing Alexander, the Packers aim to free up approximately $17 million in cap space. This strategic decision comes as the team gears up to commence its mandatory minicamp this week.
Alexander’s future with Green Bay had been under speculation throughout the offseason. Concerns centered on his substantial contract alongside his recent history of injuries. Previously, Alexander had inked a four-year, $84 million contract extension in May 2022, with two years still remaining.
Having been drafted by the Packers in 2018 as the 18th overall pick from Louisville, Alexander spent his entire professional career with the team. Despite his talents, injuries have restricted his participation to just 34 of the last 68 regular-season games over the past four years. In the previous year alone, Alexander grappled with quadriceps and groin issues, causing him to miss several games. Additionally, a knee injury sidelined him during a November encounter against Detroit. Though he returned the following week for 10 snaps against Chicago, he ultimately missed the remainder of the season.
As the Packers evaluate their roster, it seems they are repositioning for the future without Alexander, who has been an outstanding cornerback when fit. Another setback for the secondary occurred when Eric Stokes, their first-round pick in 2021, joined the Las Vegas Raiders after experiencing his own injury struggles.
To reinforce their defensive lineup, the Packers are relying on Keisean Nixon, a recognized All-Pro kickoff returner who has increasingly contributed on defense amidst Alexander’s absences. Cornerback depth is further bolstered by Carrington Valentine, a seventh-round draft pick in 2023 with 19 starts over the previous two seasons, and recent additions including former Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs via free agency and Micah Robinson from Tulane through the draft.
Despite Alexander’s injury woes, he demonstrated remarkable skill early in his career. The Packers’ decision to extend his contract with a $30 million signing bonus was influenced by his prowess, even after a shoulder injury limited him to only four games in the 2021 season. He managed to return for the team’s playoff loss against San Francisco that year. Yet, persistent injuries have haunted his subsequent seasons, with just seven regular-season appearances each over the past two years.
Although Alexander contributed significantly when available, his absence was felt acutely, save for one non-injury related occurrence. A suspension late in the 2023 season drew attention after Alexander declared himself a captain and unexpectedly participated in the coin toss during a holiday game against Carolina, holding special significance as his hometown.