Packers Release Jaire Alexander After Failed Trade and Contract Talks
The Green Bay Packers have released Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander following unsuccessful trade efforts and contract restructuring talks . Learn how cap strategy and locker room tensions led to this surprising NFL move .
Green Bay’s Last Attempt to Keep a Star
In late May 2025 the Green Bay Packers made a final effort to retain cornerback Jaire Alexander by offering a restructured contract . The proposed deal converted Alexanders high base salary into a set of injury and performance based incentives—a move aimed at preserving cap flexibility while keeping the star corner on the roster . However Alexander declined the offer reportedly unwilling to accept terms he felt did not reflect his value as one of the leagues premier defensive backs .
Trade Talks Collapse
The Packers had been shopping Alexander for months initiating trade talks with several teams including the Buffalo Bills Las Vegas Raiders and Philadelphia Eagles . Despite their efforts no deal was finalized . Alexanders reluctance to rework his contract and his 17.5 million base salary for 2025 were major hurdles for interested teams . Green Bay sought to recoup draft capital or veteran talent but none of the discussions gained meaningful traction .
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Contract and Salary Cap Implications
A Deal That Didnt Age Well
Alexander signed a four year 84 million extension in 2022 that briefly made him the highest paid cornerback in the NFL . However by 2025 there was no guaranteed money left in the contract beyond the current season . After battling multiple injuries Alexander had played in only 14 games over the past two years . Still the team hoped to restructure his deal and extract long term value from their investment .
Cap Saving Strategy
The timing of Alexanders release was strategic . By waiting until after June 1 the Packers minimized their immediate cap hit and spread the dead money across two seasons—saving about 17 million in 2025 . Though this left 7.5 million in dead money next year and 9.5 million in 2026 the cap relief offered much needed flexibility .
The Final Decision
On June 9 2025 just ahead of mandatory minicamp the Packers officially released Jaire Alexander . The decision brought an abrupt end to a relationship once thought to be foundational for Green Bays defense . Reports indicated that locker room tensions recurring PCL injuries and a brief suspension had already eroded the teams confidence in Alexanders leadership and availability .
Jaire Alexanders NFL Resume
Despite recent setbacks Alexanders talent remains unquestioned . A two time Pro Bowl selection 2020 2022 and second team All Pro he has accumulated 12 career interceptions and has consistently excelled in man coverage . Even in a limited 2024 season he recorded two interceptions and led the team with seven pass breakups in just seven games .
Looking Ahead
Market Prospects for Alexander
Now a free agent Alexander is expected to pursue a one year incentive heavy contract with a contending team . While his injury history may temper market enthusiasm his elite skill set when healthy will make him a desirable target .
Packers’ Plan at Cornerback
In Alexanders absence the Packers will rely on Keisean Nixon Nate Hobbs and Carrington Valentine to anchor the cornerback group . Nixon is expected to step into a primary outside role supported by promising depth across the secondary .
Conclusion
The Packers efforts to salvage their relationship with Jaire Alexander ultimately failed leading to a financially strategic but emotionally costly release . As Alexander seeks a fresh start the Packers turn the page on a player who was once central to their defensive identity .