Alexander is still a Packer… for now

Jaire Alexander is still a member of the Packers, which makes perfect sense. While the former All-Pro cornerback almost certainly won’t play another down for the franchise that selected him 18th overall in the 2018 draft, there’s no rush to decide his future.

The Packers have plenty of cap room to carry Alexander’s contract, and after seeing the market for cornerbacks in free agency, the odds of a trade seem slightly better today than they did a week ago. Five players signed deals worth at least $16 million a year last week, and none are as decorated or talented as Alexander. And while missing 34 games in the past four seasons will trouble any potential trade partner, it might not be enough to dissuade a general manager with a need at cornerback from offering the Packers a decent pick or two in next month’s draft.

While I expect something to be done with Alexander between now and late April, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the status quo maintained for a few weeks afterward. What would be a shock, however, would be to see the 28-year-old former Louisville star still on the roster when the Packers begin their Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in late May.

Trading or releasing Alexander would save the Packers nearly $7 million against the salary cap. General manager Brian Gutekunst could also move on from the two-time All-Pro using a post-June 1 designation, which would save over $17 million but incur a much larger dead money hit in 2026. This seems unlikely since the Packers are still in good cap shape.

Is there any chance that Alexander will remain with the Packers this season? Anything is possible, but it seems highly doubtful. The relationship appears to have run its course, and both sides would probably benefit from a change. While giving former Raider Nate Hobbs a four-year contract worth up to $50 million doesn’t preclude keeping Alexander, it certainly shows a general manager preparing for life without No. 23. That life just might not begin for a little while longer.