Part of the reason for the Green Bay Packers to possibly consider a trade involving cornerback Jaire Alexander would be the off-field stuff. However, it seems like both parties are in an excellent place after all.
During an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, ESPN's NFL insider Peter Schrager indicated that he talked to head coach Matt LaFleur during the draft week in Green Bay. Not only has LaFleur said that he had a good relationship with Jaire, but he also mentioned defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.
"I talked to Matt LaFleur during draft week and he said they're in a good place with Jaire Alexander. This situation is in a lot better place than what has been presented in the media," Schrager said. "There is a place for Jaire Alexander in Green Bay. He and Jeff Hafley actually have had a great relationship."
After moments where a trade or flat out release seemed like the most reasonable scenarios for both sides, the narrative started to change after the draft.
The Packers weren't able to move Jaire during the process, so any type of compensation would now only involve 2026 picks. Moreover, it's a hard contract to move, and interested teams want Alexander to take a paycut—and if he's willing to take one, the Packers might just keep him.
Additionally, the Packers didn't draft a cornerback until the seventh round, when they selected Micah Robinson. That increased the need at the position, and possibly the Packers' inclination to find a resolution with Alexander.
On Wednesday, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler also reported that "the Packers and Alexander are working on a resolution that should materialize soon."
A reworked contract would certainly include a base salary paycut, as Alexander is slated to make $17.5 million. The new deal would lower the cornerback's guaranteed cash earnings and cap hit in 2025, but would probably also include playing time incentives for Jaire to possibly make some of the money back if he's healthy to play.
Jaire Alexander is still a great player when he's available. In 2024, for instance, he allowed a 79.9 passer rating when targeted. However, the lack of availability has been a real issue—Alexander missed 34 of the past 68 Packers games due to injuries. Last season, he played only seven games.
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