Packers’ Jaire Alexander Drama: Why No Team Wants to Trade for the All-Pro Cornerback!
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
The Green Bay Packers are reportedly preparing to part ways with their two-time All-Pro cornerback, Jaire Alexander, but it seems the team may struggle to get anything back in return for the talented defender. A combination of financial hurdles, injury concerns, and a reluctance to restructure his contract has created a complicated situation for both Alexander and the Packers. As the 2025 season looms, the question remains: will Green Bay trade Alexander, or will they be forced to release him?
Trade Talks and the Lack of Interest
In the wake of reports from NFL insiders, including Ian Rapoport and Tom Silverstein, it’s become clear that the Packers have explored trade possibilities for Alexander. However, the response from potential suitors has been underwhelming. According to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, most executives around the league believe the Packers will ultimately be unable to find a trade partner. The sticking point? Alexander’s substantial cap hit and injury history.
For any team to acquire Alexander, they would be taking on his hefty $17.5 million cash payment for the 2025 season. While Alexander is undeniably talented—his status as a two-time All-Pro speaks to his ability—the financial commitment is a significant hurdle. Executives have voiced concern over not only the price tag but also Alexander’s durability, as the cornerback has been limited to playing seven games or fewer in three of the last four seasons. His injury woes have raised doubts about his long-term reliability, further discouraging teams from taking a chance on him.
The Packers’ Dilemma: Release or Trade?
With the market for Alexander cooling, the Packers may find themselves in a difficult position. Alexander’s cap hit for 2025 stands at a massive $25.5 million due to past bonuses, which complicates matters. If Green Bay opts to release him, they would face a dead cap charge of around $19.1 million for the 2025 season, which would only leave them with a modest $6 million in cap savings. Alternatively, if the team decides to part ways with Alexander via a post-June 1st designation, they could spread the dead cap hit across two seasons, but they would still be responsible for a significant portion of his salary in 2026.
The Packers are caught between a rock and a hard place. Releasing Alexander would provide them with some cap relief in the short term, but it would come at the expense of a large dead cap charge in 2026, potentially leaving them with limited flexibility going into the next season.
The Bottom Line
With trade talks seemingly going nowhere and an expensive contract standing in the way, it’s looking increasingly likely that Jaire Alexander’s tenure with the Green Bay Packers will come to an end without a trade. While his talent is undeniable, the combination of his cap hit, injury history, and refusal to take a pay cut has made it difficult for the Packers to find a viable trade partner. Whether they release him outright or attempt to restructure their finances to keep him on the roster remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Alexander’s future in Green Bay is uncertain, and the Packers may soon have to make a tough call on their All-Pro cornerback’s fate.