The future of Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander remains uncertain as the offseason unfolds, with trade speculation and contract complications casting a shadow over his status with the team. As of early May, Alexander has been participating in virtual team meetings but has notably skipped voluntary offseason workouts. Head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed his virtual attendance while noting his physical absence. The first mandatory checkpoint for Alexander will be the team’s minicamp in June — a potential turning point for clarity on his future.
Alexander, once considered among the league’s top cornerbacks, has struggled to stay on the field, playing in just 34 games over the past four seasons due to injuries. At 28 years old, he’s still capable of high-level play when healthy, but availability concerns have significantly impacted his value, both to the Packers and in the trade market.
Financials also complicate matters. Alexander is owed \$37 million over the next two seasons, including a \$16.15 million salary in 2025. For teams potentially interested in trading for him, that’s a steep cost — especially for a player with a recent injury history. As such, any trade scenario would likely require one of two things: either the Packers agree to absorb a portion of his salary, or Alexander accepts a restructured contract that includes a pay cut. According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, neither option seems particularly appealing to the involved parties. The Packers are reluctant to pay part of Alexander’s salary for him to play elsewhere, and Alexander, for his part, would reportedly prefer to be released outright rather than renegotiate — giving him the freedom to choose his next team.
Breer speculates the most realistic path forward is for Alexander to remain in Green Bay on a restructured deal that includes performance-based incentives, likely tied to playing time. Such a move would offer the Packers some financial relief and give Alexander the chance to earn back value if he can stay on the field.
The Packers, meanwhile, are preparing for life without Alexander — just in case. They’ve already made a major addition in the secondary, signing former Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs to a four-year, \$48 million deal. Hobbs is expected to be a key piece in the revamped defensive backfield. If Alexander does return, he’d likely resume his role on the outside opposite Keisean Nixon, with Hobbs sliding into the slot corner position.
However, if Alexander is traded or released, the Packers are ready to adapt. In that scenario, Nixon and Hobbs would start on the outside, and second-year safety Javon Bullard could fill the nickel role. Bullard, a 2024 second-round pick, began his rookie season as a free safety but played increasing snaps at nickel after Alexander’s injury. If Alexander stays, Bullard may return to a rotational role, serving as valuable depth across multiple positions in the secondary.
In sum, the Packers face a complex decision involving one of their most talented — yet least reliable — defenders. How they navigate the next few weeks, leading up to mandatory minicamp, will say a lot about their commitment to Alexander, and vice versa.
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