The Green Bay Packers are parting ways with cornerback Jaire Alexander. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, he’ll be released soon. This is a big change for a player who was once a top performer.
A former first-round pick, Alexander was a Pro Bowler in 2022, marking his second selection. However, injuries have hit him hard in the last two years. He faced back and shoulder problems, limiting him to seven games in 2023, and a knee issue kept him out for much of 2024.
Before these injuries, Alexander was widely recognized as a strong cornerback. After a solid rookie season in 2018, he started all 16 games the following year. In 2020, he gained major recognition with his first Pro Bowl selection and a spot on the second team All-Pro. Despite missing most of 2021 due to a shoulder injury, he bounced back in 2022, playing all 16 games again and earning Pro Bowl honors.
In 2022, Alexander signed a four-year, $84 million extension, which was set to pay him over $16 million in 2025. The Packers tried to offer him a restructured deal this past May that included a pay cut. Reportedly, Alexander declined it, leading to his release.
Despite recent struggles, when Alexander has played a full season, he’s shined, making the Pro Bowl both times. At 28, he has options as he enters free agency. Given his injury history, he might opt for a short-term deal to prove his health. If he returns to form, he could land a better contract next season.
It’s worth noting that injuries can impact a player’s future significantly. Just last year, over 50% of NFL players surveyed mentioned health as a critical aspect of their performance. The case of Alexander shows how quickly fortunes can change in professional sports, illustrating the importance of maintaining physical fitness and making smart contract decisions.
For more insights on the potential implications of this release, check out this NFL report.
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Jaire Alexander, Pro Bowler, Green Bay Packers