Jaire Alexander is one of the most well-known Green Bay Packers names on the team, dating back to the prime of the Aaron Rodgers era. When healthy, the cornerback has been a quality asset for the defense.
However, therein lies the rub. Since the end of the 2020 season, Alexander has been present for at least ten games in a season only once. With his contract running somewhat short on time, pressure is mounting for the Packers to choose a lane. Matt LaFleur recently gave his review on the cornerback.
Matt LaFleur Speaks on Jaire Alexander As Contract Negotiations Enter Horizon
Speaking on a May 21 edition of “Up & Adams,” LaFleur was clear about his opinion on the cornerback.
Matt LaFleur on the relationship between Jaire Alexander and the Packers heading into the season.@heykayadams | @CoachMLaFleur | @packers pic.twitter.com/z9oRj2GP5x
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow)
0:04 “Jaire is a great player,” LaFleur said. “Unfortunately, he’s been kind of [snake-bitten] the last couple [of] years, and he’s missed a lot of time, and so it’s hard to play up to your potential when you’re not on the grass.”
“I think that’s just something that we’re working through. And you know, hopefully we’ll have some resolution sooner than later.”
Alexander had two interceptions, including a pick-six, in just seven games of action in 2024. PFF graded Alexander as a 75.2 in 2024, ranking 25th out of 222 cornerbacks. While the numbers line up on the statistics sheet outside of his availability, Alexander has plenty of reasons to cool on his current contract.
Alexander’s Growing Contract Problem Raises Stakes
According to Spotrac, Alexander has reached the territory in his contract that hands power to the Packers. Put simply, the Packers are financially incentivized to move on from the cornerback starting in 2025.
Before then, the cornerback was protected because it would cost the Packers more to cut ties. Now, they can save money. While he’s still on the books for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, the end of the deal is also close enough to cause reason to address it.
Of course, if no deal is reached, it would leave Alexander as a free agent at an inopportune time. The cornerback would be heading into an age-30 season as a free agent. 30 is usually the cutoff for the most lucrative deals for NFL players outside of quarterbacks. However, for a player with an injury history like Alexander, a one or two-year deal could be the maximum length he might receive.
However, if he can get the Packers to tie the knot on the minus side of 30, he might be able to convince them to push into his 30s.
Still, the cornerback finds himself in a precarious situation not uncommon for players in their late 20s. Will the cornerback find a solution?