Despite a disappointing season for the top cornerback that included an odd suspension for diving into the coin toss in Week 17 of the regular season, the Packers have made it clear in recent weeks that they have no interest in trading for Jaire Alexander. There have been many rumors that the team would trade for Alexander, but general manager Brian Gutekunst seemed to dispel such rumors during his postseason news conference.
In spite of this, SI.com is recommending that the Packers deal away one of the highest paid defensive backs in the league in an article titled “One Move Every Team Should Make This Offseason.” Alexander, who signed a four-year, $84 million contract extension in 2022, is currently in the second year of his deal.
Due to injuries, Alexander only appeared in seven games last season, which is disappointing, according to expert Gilberto Manzano. “In Green Bay, his antics, like as interfering with coin tosses, have become tiresome, especially because he is no longer a top cornerback. Given that they are $2.8 million over the salary ceiling, all indications go to the Packers shopping Alexander. In 2024, Alexander’s cap hit amount is $23.9 million.
A Tough 2023 for Jaire AlexanderÂ
Alexander did not fulfill his end of the bargain, at least not this past year, without a doubt. He was excellent in 2022, but injuries kept him from playing in seven games the previous season, and he had no interceptions.
By far the worst of his career, Alexander gave up 29 receptions on 40 targets for a percentage of 72.5%, according to Pro Football Focus. His 13.6% miss percentage on six tackles was among the lowest of his career.
In addition to being the lowest of his career, Alexander’s allowed passer rating of 110.0 was also significantly higher than his career average of 82.2.
Therefore, trading Alexander is not just justified by the suspension. When he was playing last year, he didn’t do well, and his poor health made things even worse. Due to a shoulder ailment, Alexander missed 13 games in 2021. In 2023, he reported playing through pain from back and shoulder issues.
Not a Hint of a Packers TradeÂ
However, we should not forget what Gutekunst said about Alexander the previous month following the Packers’ playoff elimination. Upon being asked explicitly if the Packers would trade Alexander, Gutekunst responded with a firm “No.”
He gave more details.
According to Mike Spofford of the team website, Gutekunst stated, “Those things are difficult and those are tough.” Ultimately, though, it gave us all a chance to start over. I’m rather pleased with Jaire’s response to that. That will definitely be helpful to us going forward, in my opinion.
Mendoza maintains that the Packers, who are struggling financially and are on the verge of the salary cap but have room to spare by dropping players like David Bakhtiari and De’Vondre Campbell, would benefit from Alexander’s contract being released in exchange for a draft pick.
The Packers are expected to select a cornerback in the first round of the draft.
SI stated, “Maybe the Packers can get rid of his big contract, which doesn’t expire until 2027, by trading him for a Day 3 draft pick.” Though it’s difficult to find healthy, skilled cornerbacks, Alexander is still a good player, thus Green Bay might receive a higher draft pick. The Packers would be lacking in the secondary if they traded Alexander, but they managed to pull it off last season with Alexander out.
