Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander has been at the center of trade rumors since last month. Some speculate that the franchise should let go of him due to salary cap issues. Others believe in his potential despite his injuries.

After trade talk and increasing doubt surrounding his well-being and deal, the team is seemingly choosing to hold on to the two-time Pro Bowler, temporarily.

Packers' Cornerback Approach Points Toward Belief in Alexander

NFL Trade Rumors: Will Jaire Alexander Stay With the Packers NFL Trade Rumors: Will Jaire Alexander Stay With the Packers
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Jaire Alexander, Green Bay's 2018 first-round draft choice from Louisville, has shown elite ability every time he's played. That said, his availability has been spotty as he's suffered from a series of injuries affecting his shoulder, groin, and knee. All of which being said, Green Bay sitting on their hands at corner until the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft is a good indication they don't intend to replace him immediately.

ESPN's NFL insider Jeremy Fowler has just reported that there's a reason why the Packers skipped on a cornerback during the first six rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. Without saying a word, it's an indicator that Jaire Alexander is returning with the team, except for an unusual trade offer or contractual deadlock.

Restructuring Alexander's Contract Could Be the Intelligent Solution

One of the largest obstacles for the Packers is Alexander's massive contract. He has a $24.6 million cap hit in 2025—an expensive cost for a player who's only dressed for 14 games in the past two seasons.

According to ProFootball Network, Green Bay might be strengthening its relationship with Alexander through a reworked agreement, as per Fowler.

"The Packers and Alexander are working on a resolution that should materialize soon. A revised contract for Alexander, due $17.5 million in cash this year, to balance his injury history with his longtime status as an elite corner might be the most sensible play."

This possible restructuring would assist the Packers in holding defensive stability, along with dealing with fiscal constraints.

Rookie Micah Robinson Isn't Ready to Take Over

While the Green Bay Packers took Tulane cornerback Micah Robinson in the seventh round, it's not realistic to anticipate a Day 3 rookie will assume CB1 responsibilities.

Robinson is a developmental piece who fits with the assumption that Alexander is still at the core of the Packers' 2025 defensive plans — if he's healthy and his contract is renegotiated.

Examining Alexander's Impact and Career Numbers

When healthy, Alexander is a force. Pro Football Focus graded him at 75.2 overall in 2024, with a stellar 78.3 coverage grade. In seven seasons, he's accumulated:

  • 12 interceptions
  • 70 passes defended
  • 287 tackles
  • 3 forced fumbles
  • 1.5 sacks

But his injury history has weighed on his overall reputation. Restricted to seven games each in 2023 and 2024, he graded only 24th among NFL cornerbacks by PFF.

If Green Bay decides to release him after June 1, this will enable the team to stagger his $17 million dead cap hit over two years. Still, that scenario remains unlikely unless negotiations break down.