The Green Bay Packers made a stunning move this week, releasing two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander on Monday after seven seasons with the team. Alexander, once considered one of the best defensive players in the NFL, now finds himself on the open market late in the offseason.
Naturally, questions arose about why the Packers would part ways with a player of his caliber. However, according to general manager Brian Gutekunst, the decision wasn’t about any personal issues; it was simply a matter of circumstances.
Why Did the Packers Release Jaire Alexander?
Alexander’s release wasn’t about performance; it was about availability and finances. Injuries have plagued the star corner over the past four seasons, limiting him to just 34 of 68 possible regular-season games. Between his chronic health issues and his looming $16.15 million base salary for 2025, Green Bay opted to move on.
The Packers had explored trade options earlier in the offseason, but no team was willing to take on Alexander’s contract. They also attempted to restructure his deal, but negotiations stalled.
Ultimately, releasing the 28-year-old was the only viable option, saving Green Bay $17.1 million in cap space.
Despite the move, Gutekunst told reporters that there is no animosity between the team and Alexander.
A day after releasing Jaire Alexander, #Packers GM Brian Gutekunst calls him a “great player.” So why release him?
“There’s no bad blood. It’s just one of those things where over last couple years, it hasn’t worked out exactly how we wanted it to through no fault of anybody.” pic.twitter.com/TesdCERxUX
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) June 10, 2025
“There’s no bad blood. It’s just one of those things where over the last couple years, it hasn’t worked out exactly how we wanted it to through no fault of anybody.”
Alexander had been a cornerstone of the Packers’ defense, but his inability to stay healthy made it difficult for the team to justify keeping him at his current salary.
Jaire Alexander Career Stats & Impact
When healthy, Alexander was one of the league’s elite cornerbacks. Despite being cut short by injury, his 2024 season still showed flashes of his talent. In seven games played, he recorded 16 total tackles, seven pass deflections, and two interceptions (including one pick-six).
Over his seven-year career, the former first-round pick has amassed 287 tackles, 12 interceptions, 70 pass deflections, and three forced fumbles. He was named Second-Team All-Pro twice and helped lead Green Bay to five playoff appearances.
Who Will Sign Alexander?
Despite his injury history, Alexander is still just 28 years old, meaning he likely has plenty of football left. According to CBS Sports, several teams, including the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Miami Dolphins, have already been linked to him as potential landing spots.
TOP LANDING SPOTS FOR JAIRE ALEXANDER 👀 pic.twitter.com/CocgWcS0GQ
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) June 9, 2025
For the Packers, moving on from Alexander marks a new era for their defense. They’ll now rely on Keisean Nixon and Nate Hobbs to step up in his absence.
While Alexander’s time in Green Bay has come to an end, his legacy as one of the team’s best defensive players in recent years remains intact.
