Packers Shock NFL: Alexander Stay Upends Trade Market
In a stunning reversal that has sent ripples through NFL front offices, the Green Bay Packers are now leaning toward retaining two-time All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander for the 2025 season. According to ESPN, league sources confirm that Alexander—widely assumed to be heading elsewhere after last season’s public friction—could remain in green and gold despite months of trade rumors and speculation about his release.
Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst delivered the bombshell during his post-draft press conference, stating that Alexander “is on our football team” and that discussions about the cornerback’s future with the organization remain active and ongoing. This revelation has blindsided multiple NFL teams that had been positioning themselves to pursue the elite defender, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.
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$27 Million Decision Rocks Salary Cap Plans
The potential retention of Alexander represents a massive financial commitment amid tight salary constraints. According to Spotrac, keeping Alexander would consume approximately $27 million in cap space for the 2025 season—nearly 12% of the team’s entire salary cap allocation—while releasing him post-June 1st would generate over $11.8 million in immediate cap relief.
“This is a franchise-altering financial decision,” explained salary cap analyst Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap. “The team must balance Alexander’s elite talent against both his injury history and the opportunity cost of allocating such significant resources to one position.” Reuters reports that internal discussions have centered on potentially restructuring Alexander’s contract to spread the financial impact across future seasons.
Elite Talent vs. Availability Concerns
Alexander’s on-field brilliance remains unquestioned when healthy. Pro Football Focus graded him as a top-five cornerback in coverage skills during his limited appearances last season, allowing a passer rating of just 72.3 when targeted—elite performance at one of football’s most demanding positions.
However, as Acme Packing Company notes, availability has significantly hampered Alexander’s impact. The cornerback has appeared in just 30 of 51 possible regular-season games (58.8%) since signing his extension in 2022, missing extensive time with shoulder, back, and knee injuries. Team medical officials have submitted comprehensive evaluations to management regarding Alexander’s long-term durability prospects, according to The Athletic.
Locker Room Redemption After Suspension Drama
The relationship between Alexander and the organization reached its nadir in December when head coach Matt LaFleur suspended the cornerback for conduct detrimental to the team. The disciplinary action followed Alexander’s unauthorized appointment of himself as game captain and his delaying of the coin toss against the Carolina Panthers, actions that Sports Illustrated described as “unprecedented insubordination” from a veteran player.
“There’s been significant bridge-building this offseason,” a team source told Packers Wire. “Matt and Jaire have had productive conversations, and there’s a path forward if both sides commit to it.” The organization has been encouraged by Alexander’s attitude during voluntary workout sessions, with defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley praising the cornerback’s mentorship of younger players, according to PackersNews.
Draft Strategy Reveals Internal Thinking
Green Bay’s approach in the NFL Draft provided the first concrete clues about Alexander’s potential return. Despite cornerback being widely viewed as a position of need, the Packers waited until the fourth round to select Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean, signaling they weren’t aggressively seeking an immediate replacement for a departing Alexander.
“We’ve had good conversations,” Gutekunst told NBC Sports when questioned about the cornerback’s status. “He’s on our football team. I think there’s certainly a chance [he stays]. We’re working through some things, but he’s on our football team and we expect it to be that way.” NewsBreak sources indicate that this public stance represents a significant shift from the team’s internal position just weeks earlier.
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