Report: Packers to Release Former Louisville CB Jaire Alexander…read more…   

Report: Packers to Release Former Louisville CB Jaire Alexander…read more…

—

GREEN BAY, WI (June 9, 2025) – The Green Bay Packers have officially announced the release of veteran cornerback Jaire Alexander, ending a seven-year association that began with the team selecting him in the first round (18th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft .

Rising Star and Early Promise

Alexander, 28, developed into one of the league’s top cornerbacks early in his career. He earned Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors in both 2020 and 2022, showcasing shutdown coverage, ball-hawking instincts, and lockdown skills. From 2018 through 2022, he recorded 12 interceptions, 70 passes defensed, and 287 tackles across 78 career games .

Contract Extension & Financial Stakes

In May 2022, the Packers rewarded Alexander with a four-year, approximately $84 million extension, including a hefty $30 million signing bonus, which set him among the highest-paid cornerbacks in the league . Under that deal, he was scheduled to earn a base salary of over $16 million in 2025 and $18 million in 2026, with cap hits of $24–27 million .

Injuries & Limited Availability

Despite his talent, Alexander’s recent years were marred by injuries. He appeared in just 14 games across the 2023 and 2024 seasons, suffering shoulder, knee, back, and PCL injuries. In 2024 alone, he played only seven games before undergoing arthroscopic surgery in early January . The 2023 campaign also saw an off-field incident that resulted in a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team .

Trade Talks & Restructure Efforts

Throughout the offseason, the Packers endeavored to either trade Alexander or restructure his bloated contract. Discussions included converting salary into incentives or offering pay cuts. However, no deal materialized, and no team stepped up with a trade offer — reportedly the Buffalo Bills were one party exploring the possibility before Alexander declined trade-related compensation adjustments .

Financial Implications for Green Bay

By proceeding with a post–June 1 release, Green Bay will incur approximately $7.5 million in 2025 dead-cap charges and another $9.5 million in 2026. However, the move frees up around $17.1 million in cap space for 2025 and nearly $17.5 million for 2026 — unlocking roughly $34.6 million in combined flexibility .

Packers’ Official Comments

General Manager Brian Gutekunst emphasized the bittersweet nature of the decision: “We invested a lot in Jaire and want to make sure, if he’s not gonna be on our football team helping us win games, that we get something back for that investment” . Packers President Mark Murphy echoed the sentiment, citing Alexander’s “elite talent” but inability to remain consistently healthy .

Impact on Roster & Leadership Transition

Alexander’s departure thrusts veteran Keisean Nixon into the primary CB1 role — a position he’s prepared for after his breakout 2024 season. Other corners poised to step up include Carrington Valentine, Nate Hobbs, Kalen King, and rookie Micah Robinson . As the Packers enter mandatory minicamp, the secondary’s leadership vacuum will be an early test for their young corps.

What’s Next for Alexander

Fully vested as an unrestricted free agent, Alexander is expected to draw interest from playoff-caliber teams in need of experienced coverage. While his recent durability concerns will likely reduce his market ceiling, several teams — including the 49ers — could view him as a high-upside, incentive-laden signing .

—

This marks the end of Alexander’s Green Bay era — a talented, yet inconsistent chapter underlined by brilliance, injuries, and financial crossroads.