One of the biggest questions that many fans, both of the Green Bay Packers and of other teams, have had going into this year’s draft is when, or if, the team will trade two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander. There is no question that, when healthy, the 2018 first round pick is one of the best corners in the NFL. The problem, though, is that he has rarely been healthy.
Over the last two seasons, Alexander has played in a total of 14 games, seven games in each year. Over the course of the last four seasons, he has played 34 out of 68 games.
What is more, it has been apparent for a while that Green Bay and their star cornerback are not seeing eye to eye. In 2023, Alexander was suspended a game for conduct detrimental to the team, an action that was a culmination of various statements to the media and actions during practices and games.
After the Packers were knocked out of the NFL Playoffs by the Philadelphia Eagles this past season, Alexander told reporters that he had nothing good to say and that he was not sure if he would be back in Green Bay in 2025.
Green Bay Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst Gives an Update on the Jaire Alexander Situation
After Alexander made those comments the day after Green Bay’s season ended, many Packers fans did not think it would be too long before he was traded. Months later, though, a trade has not taken place.
Obviously, the Packers are a much better team when Alexander is on the field. Additionally, they have already lost three cornerbacks, Eric Stokes, Corey Ballentine, and Robert Rochelle, to free agency. While Green Bay has signed Nate Hobbs, depth at the cornerback position remains a concern.
Alexander made waves a few weeks ago, too, after being filmed happily working out with Pro Bowl safety Xavier McKinney. Over the weekend, Packers quarterback Jordan Love said the two-time Pro Bowler is someone the team “definitely” wants to have back.
Whereas Alexander may be on good terms with his teammates, however, it does not seem as if his relationship with the front office has improved.
Green Bay Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst Addresses the Jaire Alexander Situation Ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft
The Packers have made it known that they are open to trading Alexander, but it is obvious that they have received little interest or have not received an offer they feel is worth it for them.
With the draft just days away, Brian Gutekunst is going to wait to resolve the dispute until after it ends:
This likely means that fans should not expect Alexander to get traded during the draft, as many thought that he would. While it does not close the door on the possibility of him returning, it does mean that, should the Packers decide to move on, he will be released instead of traded.
This would not be ideal because Alexander could then sign with one of Green Bay’s rivals (i.e., the Minnesota Vikings). The Packers would, however, save tens of millions of dollars on their salary cap both this year and next.
