June 9, 2025 – Green Bay, WI – The Green Bay Packers have officially released Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander, ending a seven-year journey marked by brilliance, injuries, and a difficult financial standoff.
Talent Undeniable—But Fortune Unkind
Drafted 18th overall in 2018, Alexander quickly became one of the league’s top defensive backs, earning two Pro Bowl and All‑Pro honors in 2020 and 2022. But recent seasons have been marred by injuries and missed time, limiting him to just seven games in each of the last two years—and none after mid-November 2024 due to a torn PCL.
Money vs Playtime: The Breaking Point
Alexander was set to earn $17.5 million in 2025 on a deal that extended through 2026. By releasing him after June 1st, the Packers free up over $17 million in cap space while absorbing $7.5 million in dead money this year and $9.5 million in 2026. A high-stakes negotiation that included trade talks (including interest from Buffalo) and a proposed pay-cut never materialized—leaving both sides unable to find common ground.
Departing on Mixed Terms
Alexander reportedly planned to report to mandatory minicamp, but once talks collapsed, the Packers gave notice. GM Brian Gutekunst had suggested earlier that, “if he’s not on our football team helping us win games, that we get something back for that investment.” While no rift was obvious publicly, the rupture was clear behind closed doors.
What Comes Next?
- Financial Relief for Green Bay: With new opportunities ahead, the Packers now have cap space to reinvest.
- Pressure on the Secondary: Veteran Keisean Nixon now steps into the CB1 role, backed by Carrington Valentine and new addition Nate Hobbs.
- Alexander’s Next Move: At 28, he will enter free agency—his elite skills may command interest on an incentive-heavy deal reflecting his injury track record .
In summary: A beloved player’s chapter in Green Bay ends not with celebration, but with tough business realities—one defined by stellar play, tough breaks, and no easy solutions.
