The Green Bay Packers made one of the most surprising moves of the offseason, cutting former Pro Bowl defensive back Jaire Alexander. The 2018 first-round pick has struggled to stay healthy in a Packers’ uniform, playing more than eight games just one time over the past four seasons. During that span, he played more than 32% of snaps just once and recorded more than two interceptions only one time (2022) over his first seven NFL campaigns.
When asked about Alexander’s release, Packers CEO and President Mark Murphy wasn’t exactly sure that the team would miss his presence on the field or in the locker room. “He has been a great player for us,” Murphy said. “Obviously, elite talent. Unfortunately, just injured a lot. Unfortunately that’s a big part of the game…we’ve been used [to playing without him].”
General manager Brian Gutekunst echoed those sentiments, telling the Milwaukee Journal “There’s no bad blood. It’s just one of those things where over the last couple years, it hasn’t worked out exactly how we wanted it to through no fault of anybody. It’s just injuries kind of took some games away from him.”
A day after releasing Jaire Alexander, #Packers GM Brian Gutekunst calls him a “great player.” So why release him?
“There’s no bad blood. It’s just one of those things where over last couple years, it hasn’t worked out exactly how we wanted it to through no fault of anybody.” pic.twitter.com/TesdCERxUX
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) June 10, 2025
Packers, Alexander Couldn’t Agree On Restructured Deal
For Gutekunst, parting ways with Alexander was a bittersweet moment. The former No. 1 corner was the first player that he drafted as the general manager of the Packers in 2018.
Ultimately, Alexander’s lack of availability turned out to be a major reason why he was cut loose in the offseason but it wasn’t the only reason. The 28-year-old was owed $16.15 million in base salary next season, a steep price to pay for a player who might not be on the field late in the season.
The two sides reportedly couldn’t reach an agreement on restructuring his contract and his release opened up more than $17 million in cap space, pushing Green Bay’s total to around $35 million. That additional flexibility will likely be used to sign impending free agents like Zach Tom, Quay Walker, and Devonte Wyatt to long-term deals.
“Over the last four years,” Gutekunst said, “There’s been a lot of games missed. I just think for what that money is, that’s a lot to pay for a guy who hasn’t been able to get out on the field.”
Packers WR To Try Out At Cornerback After Alexander’s Release
Former wide receiver and 2022 seventh-round pick Bo Melton is among the players looking to fill Alexander’s shoes at the cornerback position. Green Bay opened its three-day minicamp with Melton taking snaps at cornerback, which might be his best shot at making the 53-man roster.
Aside from Melton, Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine are expected to be the team’s top cornerbacks, along with 2024 second-round pick Javon Bullard and newly signed veteran Nate Hobbs adding depth at the position.
