Jaire Alexander Released by Packers: $17.5 Million All-Pro CB Let Go After Two Injury-Hit Seasons

The Green Bay Packers have parted ways with cornerback Jaire Alexander, officially releasing the two-time All-Pro on Monday after a protracted offseason of uncertainty, fitness concerns, and failed contract negotiations. A source confirmed to ESPN that the decision came ahead of the team’s mandatory minicamp, which Alexander had planned to attend after skipping all voluntary sessions.

Alexander’s departure marks the end of a turbulent chapter for both player and franchise. The 2018 first-round pick was once the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL, signing a four-year, $84 million extension in 2022. But since 2021, injuries and off-field issues have kept the star defensive back from consistently contributing. He played in just 34 of 68 games over the past four seasons.

From Franchise Cornerstone to Contract Casualty

Injuries were the primary factor behind Alexander’s dwindling on-field presence. A torn PCL limited his 2023 campaign to just seven games, despite him practicing intermittently late in the season. He ultimately landed on injured reserve in Week 18 and underwent knee surgery. The year before, he managed the same number of appearances, missing games due to shoulder and knee ailments and serving a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team.

Despite his absences, Alexander remained productive when healthy, recording seven pass breakups and two interceptions in 2023 — second-best on the team in both categories. However, team insiders had grown frustrated with what they viewed as an unreliable week-to-week availability status.

“I know it’s been really, really frustrating for not only him as a player, but us as a club,” said Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst earlier this year. “When you have a player who’s done what he’s done for us in the past, and then not being able to get him out on the field consistently — that’s tough.”

Attempts at Resolution Failed

Following the 2024 NFL Draft, Gutekunst floated the possibility of trading Alexander to recoup value from the franchise’s investment. “If he’s not going to be on our football team helping us win games, we want to make sure we get something back for that,” he noted.

Trade talks never materialized, and with a $17.5 million non-guaranteed salary looming, the Packers offered a revised contract in hopes of keeping the 27-year-old corner. But both parties failed to reach common ground.

Alexander’s silence on locker cleanout day — telling reporters he had “nothing good to say” — hinted at a looming departure.

What’s Next?

Alexander leaves the Packers with 15 career interceptions (including playoffs) and a reputation as one of the league’s premier coverage defenders when fully fit. His release frees up over $17 million in salary cap space for the Packers, who now turn the page on one of the most dynamic — yet injury-marred — defenders in recent team history.

As for Alexander, he enters free agency with elite credentials but questions over durability and commitment. For franchises in need of a lockdown cornerback, his upside remains tempting — if he can stay on the field.

 

Subscribe to Notifications