When the Green Bay Packers gave quarterback Jordan Love a four-year, $220 million contract extension last offseason, they essentially made him the face of the team.
Love, who threw for 3,389 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 15 games last season, has been one of the top passers in the NFL since he took over as Green Bay’s starter two years ago, and he’s one of the most respected voices on the Packers roster.
So when he voiced his opinion on the ongoing drama between Green Bay and star cornerback Jaire Alexander, it likely forced the team’s front office to at least reassess its decision to shop Alexander this offseason.
The 28-year-old defensive back has missed 20 games over the last two seasons, leading some to question whether or not Alexander has a future in Green Bay given his recent injury issues and the team not wanting to keep paying a $21 million-per-year cornerback to miss half the season.
And while the Packers could likely get back a solid draft pick or two in exchange for Alexander from a CB-needy teat, Love’s recent remarks about his beloved teammate on FanDuel TV’s “Up & Adams” may have been enough to keep the two-time Pro Bowler around for at least another year.
“That’s my guy right there,” Love said of Alexander. “He’s definitely a player we need back. Just the playing style he plays with, who he is on the field, I mean, that’s a guy we need to have around. So, you know, we’ll see what happens. I’m hoping Ja’s still there with us, we’ll see.”
Alexander has spent his entire seven-year career with the Packers, who drafted him 18th overall in 2018 out of Louisville.
In that time, he’s established himself as one of the best cover corners in the NFL, logging 70 passes defensed, 52 pass break-ups, 12 interceptions, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries with a 59.1 completion percentage and 81.8 passer rating against and 17 touchdowns allowed, per Pro Football Focus.
The problem, however, is his availability. Alexander missed 10 games last season, 10 games in 2023, and 13 games in 2021, prompting the Packers to start shopping him once the season ended.
But after Love’s ringing endorsement, it’s possible the Packers gut it out with Alexander next season and see if he can stay healthy.
