Jaire Alexander was once considered the best cornerback in the NFL.
Although that may depend on who you asked.
A first-round pick – 18th overall in 2018 – Alexander gave the Green Bay Packers seven seasons of elite play, highlight-reel moments and undeniable attitude.
But also frustration.
The player
When Jaire Alexander was healthy, he was brilliant.
Two All-Pro selections (2020, 2022), two Pro Bowls, a place on the 2018 All-Rookie team and unforgettable performances. These included two interceptions against Tom Brady in the 2020 NFC Championship Game.
Over seven seasons, he recorded:
- 287 tackles
- 1.5 sacks
- Three forced fumbles
- Four fumble recoveries
- 70 pass deflections
- 12 interceptions
- One touchdown
He could lock down an entire side of the field, bait quarterbacks into mistakes and energise both the crowd and his teammates.
His superb performance in shutting down Justin Jefferson in early 2023 was another big highlight.
But that version of Alexander became increasingly rare.
The injuries
Alexander missed 20 games across the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
His injury record includes:
- 2018: Missed three games with a groin injury, aggravated in Week 17
- 2021: Missed 13 games with a shoulder injury, returned for the playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers
- 2023: Missed three games with a back issue and six with a shoulder injury
- 2024: Missed two games with a quad injury and one with cruciate ligament damage, walked out of the next game, then missed the final seven games plus one playoff game with a knee problem
The pattern was worrying. His availability became unpredictable, which made his $21 million annual salary difficult to justify and even harder to move on in a trade.
The personality
Alexander was also one of the league’s most “interesting” characters.
Whether it was his confident interviews, on-field swagger or fan-favourite moments, he brought charisma to the Packers’ defense.
Griddying over Justin Jefferson after a second–down incompletion was a viral, highlight-reel moment. But that came with the occasional red flag.
He was suspended for one game in 2023 for attitude issues. Not ideal from one of your highest-paid leaders!
Life after Alexander
On paper, the Packers’ cornerback group coped reasonably well without him.
In 2024, Alexander earned a 75.2 overall grade from PFF with a 78.3 coverage grade, ranking 16th out of 222 cornerbacks. When he played, opponents completed 61% of passes. When he did not, that number rose to 71%.
The team still limited big plays – just one pass over 40 yards all season – and allowed a lower passer rating when Alexander did not played (85.5 vs 95.4 without him). However, those numbers are stretched across a limited sample size.
The current 2025 depth chart looks thin:
- Keisean Nixon
- Carrington Valentine
- Nate Hobbs (off-season addition)
- Kitan Oladapo
- Kalen King
- Micah Robinson (rookie)
Depth options include Jonathan Baldwin (rookie), Isaiah Dunn, Kamal Hadden, Tyron Herring (rookie) and Gregory Junior. All are likely to be competing for fringe roster spots and some are unlikely to make the 53-man roster.
The safety group is strong and should offer some support, but the cornerback room lacks star power.
What next?
The Packers lost Eric Stokes – a disappointing first-round pick hampered by injuries – as well as Corey Ballentine and Robert Rochell, who featured more on special teams.
There are free agent options available.
Former Packer Rasul Douglas could be a short-term solution. Experienced veterans like James Bradberry, Kendall Fuller, Stephon Gilmore and Mike Hilton remain unsigned. Younger players such as Asante Samuel Jr. could offer longer-term value and a higher ceiling.
Summary
Yes, the Packers will miss Jaire Alexander.
But when a player is rarely available and carries a massive salary, difficult decisions follow.
Green Bay simply could not afford to carry $21 million a year for someone who had missed 20 of the last 34 regular-season games. The lack of trade interest speaks volumes.
Still, the decision to release Alexander leaves a hole, especially with match-ups against top wide receivers like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Amon-Ra St. Brown and D.J. Moore on the horizon.
Whether General Manager Brian Gutekunst dips into the free agent pool may decide whether this move was calculated – or careless.
UPDATE:
Jaire Alexander has since joined his college quarterback Lamar Jackson at the Baltimore Ravens on a one-year deal worth $6 million.
It is a great deal for Alexander and the Ravens – and a disappointing one for Green Bay Packers fans.
At that price, many would have happily taken half a season of Jaire Alexander in green and gold.
