Why didn't Packers trade Jaire Alexander? Insider explains reason behind release of 2x Pro Bowl CB
The Green Bay Packers released star cornerback Jaire Alexander on June 9.
The Packers were trying to trade Alexander, but ultimately decided to release him. The former first-round pick has dealt with injuries of late, hampering his play.
Before releasing him, Green Bay held contract talks with Alexander to rework his deal. He had two years left on a four-year, $84 million extension he signed in 2022.
NFL insider Tom Silverstein explained why the Packers didn't trade the cornerback.
"The Packers had a trade in place with another team earlier in the year, but the other team wouldn’t pay Alexander’s full $17M salary," Silverstein wrote. "Alexander didn’t want to take less and the trade never happened. The die was cast early in the off-season."
Meanwhile, NFL insider Albert Breer reported in April that Alexander preferred being released so he had more freedom in deciding where he'd play in 2025.
"Alexander would rather be cut so he can pick his destination, and he might not be willing to help with a contract adjustment to facilitate a trade," Breer wrote.
Alexander played in just seven games in each of the last two years. Last season, he recorded 16 tackles and two interceptions.
Packers GM said it was frustrating not having Jaire Alexander on the field
Jaire Alexander was selected in the first round of the 2018 draft and has been a shutdown corner for Green Bay. However, his health has been an issue.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said that Alexander's struggles have been frustrating.
"We're at the beginning stages, just kind of gathering information as a whole before we start looking at next year and how we're gonna lay this thing out," the GM said in January. "But we could. Obviously, when he's healthy and he's ready to play, he's a pretty good player...
"Again, there's frustration on both sides by the fact that he can't get out there, and that's tough. I feel for him, because he wants to be out there and he wants to play. But there is no disconnect."
Due to how much he was owed and his health, the Packers opted to move on from him and allow him to start fresh somewhere else.