Jaire Alexander’s tenure in Green Bay began with a bold move by General Manager Brian Gutekunst, defying the Packers’ traditional cornerback prototype by drafting the undersized but highly touted prospect. Alexander’s early career validated this decision, showcasing exceptional talent and earning accolades, including a spot on the NFL All-Rookie team and recognition as the league’s top cornerback by Pro Football Focus in 2020. His impactful performances, notably intercepting Tom Brady twice in the NFC Championship game that year, solidified his standing as a cornerstone of the Packers’ defense. However, the promise of a dominant, long-term presence has since been overshadowed by a persistent and debilitating string of injuries.
The narrative of Alexander’s time in Green Bay took a stark turn, transforming from a story of rising stardom to one of frustrating inconsistency and unreliability. What began as flashes of brilliance became increasingly obscured by extended absences due to a litany of injuries. A shoulder injury sidelined him for most of the 2021 season, while back, shoulder, and disciplinary issues plagued his 2022 campaign. The 2023 season has continued this troubling trend, with quadriceps, groin, and knee injuries limiting his availability and effectiveness. This persistent unavailability has raised serious questions about his long-term viability as a dependable starter.
The mounting injuries have not only impacted Alexander’s on-field performance but also cast a shadow over his future with the Packers. The cumulative effect of these setbacks has transformed him from a surefire asset to a significant liability. His inability to stay healthy has hampered the team’s defensive consistency and forced the coaching staff to constantly adjust their schemes and personnel. The once-promising trajectory of Alexander’s career has been derailed, leaving the Packers with a difficult decision regarding his future. The organization must now grapple with the challenging reality of a player whose potential has been consistently undermined by his physical fragility.
The financial implications of Alexander’s situation further complicate matters for the Packers. His hefty $21 million salary, making him one of the league’s highest-paid cornerbacks, represents a substantial investment for a player who has been largely unavailable. This significant financial commitment, coupled with his persistent injury woes, creates a precarious situation for the team. Retaining Alexander at his current salary while he continues to struggle with injuries would be a risky gamble, potentially hindering the team’s ability to address other roster needs and maintain a competitive edge.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, the Packers are essentially locked into Alexander’s contract, leaving them with little recourse but to hope for a return to health and form. However, the long-term outlook beyond 2024 requires a more pragmatic approach. Continuing to invest in a player with such an extensive injury history would be a questionable financial decision, especially given the potential availability of other talented cornerbacks in free agency and the draft. The Packers must carefully weigh the risks and rewards of retaining Alexander against the potential benefits of allocating resources elsewhere.
The offseason presents an opportunity for the Packers to make a decisive move regarding Alexander’s future. Releasing him would free up significant cap space, allowing the team to pursue other free agents or address other pressing needs. Given the projected salary cap increase for 2025 and the Packers’ current cap situation, parting ways with Alexander would provide substantial financial flexibility. This would enable them to target top-tier cornerbacks in free agency and bolster the position through the draft, potentially building a more reliable and cost-effective defensive backfield. While cutting Alexander would mark the end of a once-promising era, it could be the necessary step to ensure the long-term health and competitiveness of the Packers’ defense.
