NFL Rumors: Green Bay Packers Release Cornerback Jaire Alexander

A two-time Pro Bowl cornerback is hitting the market. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Green Bay Packers are releasing defensive back Jaire Alexander after failing to find a trade partner or come to an agreement on a re-worked contract.

Breaking news on @GMFB: The #Packers are releasing Pro Bowl CB Jaire Alexander after an offseason of uncertainty. pic.twitter.com/zwrnBBNnYu
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 9, 2025

Alexander had two years remaining on a four-year, $84 million extension signed in 2022. The Packers will absorb a little over $15 million in dead money split over the 2025 and 2026 seasons by cutting Alexander now, but they'll free up a little over $17 million in cap space for this coming season.

What does it mean for the Packers?

The Packers are releasing Alexander primarily due to a lack of reliability. He has missed a staggering 34 games since 2021, including 10 in 2024. The Packers can't justify his massive contract if he's going to play the fourth-most snaps among their cornerbacks.

The Packers failed to draft a cornerback until Micah Robinson in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, so they could look to make a veteran addition or two before the season begins. In any case, they'll probably be okay without Alexander. They allowed a respectable 6.0 net yards per passing attempt in 2024 even with Alexander missing most of the season.

Who could be interested?

When available, Alexander is still an elite cornerback. Since his injury troubles began in 2021, he has allowed a mere 80.3 passer rating on throws in his direction. He even averaged a pass defended per game over his seven appearances in 2024.

Alexander has a high ceiling if a team is willing to take a chance on him, but it would have to be at the right cost. If he can be signed to a deal with limited guaranteed money, he would make sense for any franchise that needs a veteran corner. He's a logical fit for a team that experiences an unfortunate injury in camp or in the early portion of the regular season.

Often, veterans like Alexander end up reuniting with familiar coaches. Mike Pettine, Alexander's defensive coordinator from 2018 to 2020, is the current assistant head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. Stephon Gilmore played 864 snaps for them last year and remains unsigned; Alexander could theoretically fill a similar role.

NFL Insider Jordan Schultz reported earlier today that the Packers discussed a trade regarding Alexander with the Buffalo Bills this offseason. The Bills could sniff around Alexander again now that he's a free agent.