Surprise, surprise, as the Green Bay Packers released CB Jaire Alexander Monday. This decision represents a complete turnaround in the clime of the team’s defensive front. The change follows a lackluster contract stalemate and recent years were marred by injury issues that sidelined Alexander for much of the last couple of seasons.
Alexander wanted to make a full return in time for the Packers’ mandatory minicamp. He was not slated to take part in the games. Given that he had earlier missed all of this offseason’s voluntary workouts, this raised eyebrows about his loyalty to the team. In the last two years, he has only played in seven regular season games per year. A combination of injuries and a one game suspension has prevented him from building on that.
Alexander’s woes began last year. He fought through both shoulder and knee injuries, forcing him to miss the remainder of the year after November 17, 2022. After the season, he underwent surgery for a torn PCL in his left knee. This unfortunate event added to his need to want to recapture his health physically.
Over his seven-year career with the Packers, Alexander established himself as a key player, recording 15 interceptions, including playoff appearances. He made the 1st-team All-Pro list in 2020 and then again in 2022. This accomplishment further emphasizes his elite status among cornerbacks league-wide. Since the beginning of the 2021 season, he’s only played in 34 out of just 68 potential games.
In 2020, he received a four-year, $84 million extension. This season, his base salary was set to be $17.5 million, but none of that money was guaranteed. At the time, he was the NFL’s highest-paid cornerback. This accomplishment illuminated his tremendous worth to the club during his peak seasons.
On the field, Alexander had a breakout season last year. He ranked second on the team with seven PBUs and tied for second with two INTs. While his contributions were immeasurable, injuries have marred what should be remembered for his talent and potential game-changing ability on the gridiron.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst expressed his displeasure at Alexander’s exit. He acknowledged the amazing impact Alexander made in the locker room and on the field to the team on and off the field.
“In his seven seasons with the Packers, Jaire established himself as one of the premier players in the NFL at one of the game’s most challenging positions. His contributions to our organization were felt on the field, in the locker room and in our community, and he will be missed,” – Brian Gutekunst
Gutekunst wisely addressed the frustration surrounding Alexander’s injury situation, noting the difficulties on both the player and team’s end.
“I know it’s been really, really frustrating for not only him as a player, but us as a club,” – Gutekunst
Packers president Mark Murphy admitted that, after Alexander’s difficult last couple seasons. In doing so, he spotlighted the overwhelming effect injuries have played on Alexander’s ability to add value.
“The reality is for the last four years for Jaire, it’s about half of the games he’s been able to play,” – Mark Murphy
As the Packers now look ahead without Alexander, here’s what to know. Now, they need to regroup on a defensive plan and backfill the lack of production from one of their most explosive playmakers. The team will be aggressively looking for a replacement. All of these teams want to be sure that they are staying one step ahead in a very competitive league environment.
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