Packers to Release Jaire Alexander: Green Bay Moving On from Two-Time Pro Bowl Cornerback
In a move that has been speculated about for some time, the Green Bay Packers are releasing two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander, according to CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones. The decision brings an end to a tumultuous spell with the team, during which Alexander established himself as one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks, but struggled with availability.
The Packers had previously explored trade options and worked on a contract restructure with Alexander, but ultimately no deal materialized, and the team decided to move on. Alexander’s availability had become a growing concern, with the cornerback missing significant time in three of the past four seasons, including back-to-back years in 2023 and 2024, where he appeared in just seven games each. As CBS Sports reports, Alexander also received a Week 17 suspension due to "conduct detrimental to the team," further clouding his long-term outlook in Green Bay.
Despite the injury concerns, Alexander’s talent on the field is undeniable. In 2022, he earned second-team All-Pro honors, reaffirming his status as a top-tier defensive back when healthy. Over seven seasons with the Packers, Alexander totaled 12 interceptions, 70 passes defensed, and 287 tackles over 78 games. As the source notes, Green Bay signed him to a four-year, $84 million extension in 2022, briefly making him the NFL’s highest-paid corner.
The Packers selected Alexander with the No. 18 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, and he developed into a key player for the team. However, his injury record and off-field issues have led the Packers to decide that it is time to move on. At just 28 years old, Alexander will likely draw strong interest on the free-agent market.
According to CBS Sports, Alexander’s shoulder injury limited him to just four games in 2021, but he returned in 2022 to earn his second-team All-Pro honors. The cornerback’s career with the Packers was marked by both outstanding play and frustrating injuries.
The release of Alexander will undoubtedly have implications for the Packers’ defense, which will need to find a way to replace his production. As the team moves forward, they will be hoping that they can find a suitable replacement for the talented cornerback. For Alexander, the opportunity to start fresh with a new team will be a welcome one, and fans will be eagerly anticipating where he will end up next.
In conclusion, the release of Jaire Alexander marks the end of an era for the Green Bay Packers, and the beginning of a new chapter for the talented cornerback. As CBS Sports reports, Alexander’s future in the NFL is likely to be a bright one, and fans will be keeping a close eye on his progress in the coming months.
