Jaire Alexander Trade Speculation: Packers Star Cornerback Facing Trade or Release?

By Jason Bolton June 07, 2025 10:30

The future of Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander remains one of the most closely watched storylines of the 2025 NFL offseason. Once regarded as one of the premier shutdown corners in the league, Alexander’s tenure in Green Bay has been marred by injuries and a hefty contract, fueling speculation about whether the Packers will keep him, trade him, or release him before the new season.

Injury Concerns and Contract Challenges

Alexander, 27, signed a lucrative four-year, $84 million extension in May 2022, making him one of the highest-paid players at his position. However, injuries have severely limited his availability, as he has missed at least 10 games in three of the past four seasons due to shoulder, back, and knee issues. In 2024, he appeared in just 14 games, recording 16 tackles and two interceptions, including a pick-six, but his overall impact was diminished by his health struggles.

This injury history, combined with his $16.15 million base salary for the 2025 season, has become a significant concern for the Packers. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Packers and Alexander have been negotiating a restructured contract that would protect the team financially if his injuries persist while allowing him to earn his full salary if healthy. This kind of performance-based deal is seen as a logical compromise to reconcile his injury risk with his talent.

Trade Talks and Release Preferences

Despite the Packers’ interest in retaining Alexander, trade rumors have swirled all offseason. In February, ESPN’s Rob Demovsky reported that Green Bay was open to trade offers, though none materialized before or during the draft. More recently, reports indicate that Alexander himself would prefer to be released rather than traded, as this would give him control over his next destination. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer noted that Alexander may resist contract adjustments that would facilitate a trade, complicating the Packers’ ability to move him.

Several teams have been linked to Alexander in trade speculation, including the Las Vegas Raiders, who could use a veteran cornerback if the price is right. The Raiders have made moves to bolster their secondary but still lack experience at slot corner, and while Alexander is an outside corner, his availability could intrigue them if he agrees to a pay cut.

Other potential suitors mentioned include the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Kansas City Chiefs, though none have taken concrete steps, likely deterred by Alexander’s contract and injury history.

Packers’ Roster and Cap Considerations

The Packers face a tough financial decision. If they release Alexander after June 1, they could save over $17 million against the 2025 salary cap, easing the burden on a team in transition. Green Bay has already signed Nate Hobbs to a four-year, $48 million deal to bolster the secondary, and rookies like Micah Robinson and Javon Bullard provide additional depth. Should Alexander stay, he would likely start opposite Keisean Nixon, with Hobbs in the slot.

General manager Brian Gutekunst has been noncommittal about Alexander’s future, telling reporters, “We’re working through that” when asked if Alexander would be on the roster for 2025. The Packers’ decision will hinge on whether they can reach a contract restructuring agreement or find a trade partner willing to absorb his salary.

Jaire Alexander’s status with the Green Bay Packers remains uncertain as the 2025 season approaches. His elite talent when healthy is undeniable, but persistent injuries and a hefty contract have made him a difficult fit for a team balancing competitiveness with salary cap flexibility. With trade talks ongoing and Alexander reportedly preferring release over trade, the Packers face a critical decision: retain their star cornerback on a restructured deal, trade him if a suitable offer arises, or release him to clear cap space and reshape their secondary. How this saga unfolds will significantly impact Green Bay’s defensive outlook and roster construction moving forward.