Cory's Corner: Trade Looming For Jaire Alexander
Availability is an NFL player's best attribute. Alexander is proving that.
I am very surprised.
By this time, I figured that the Packers would have found ways to part with cornerback Jaire Alexander.
Over the last couple years, Alexander has suffered injuries to his groin, back shoulder and knee. He has only played in 14 games in that span as his numbers have fallen off.
The main question is if Alexander really wants to be in Green Bay. When he’s on the field, he is a very solid player, but how bad is he willing to get out there? He’s only played in 37 of 68 in the last four years. I get that injuries are a part of the game, but lots of players play through injuries and pain.
Add on top of that is his massive contract. The 28-year-old corner has a cap hit of $24.9 million in 2025 — which is slotted as the second-highest paid defensive back behind Tampa Bay’s Antoine Winfield Jr. If you are going to be one of the highest paid players at your position, you have to find a way to get on the field.
It is likely that Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst is waiting until the draft to make a splash trade. If the Packers trade Alexander before June 1, they can save $6.8 million on the 2025 salary cap. That could give them leverage to move up in the draft to take Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce in the late teens. They then could put another package together and draft Ohio State wideout Emeka Egbuka late in the first round. I’m sure the crowd gathered around Lambeau Field will love the fact that Gutekunst not only added two great players, but was willing to go for it.
At this point, Alexander offers more questions than answers. His availability is in question and the Packers aren’t sure if he can be trusted. Should defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley design a game plan around Alexander defending Justin Jefferson all week if Alexander is going to make himself an injury scratch a day before the game?
Alexander proved that he was one of the better shutdown corners in the game. In his first three seasons, he tallied 32 pass breakups. In the last four, he has registered just 18.
The Packers want to know what they are getting. If Alexander’s cap hit was $12.5, that would be a lot easier to swallow. But if you’re setting the standard for defensive backs and you’re consistently not seeing the field, that’s a problem.
The closer we get the NFL Draft, I would expect that Gutekunst is cooking up something that could result in something special.
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (41)
T7Steve
March 18, 2025 at 07:18 am
Cory, I don't understand how the Packers could move up in the 1st round and have a second 1st round pick? Do you think an Alexander trade would net a 1st and other picks to bundle?
Guam
March 18, 2025 at 07:40 am
I think Cory is overvaluing Alexander's trade value. Other teams see the same problems the Packers see - availability versus price. A traded Alexander will cost the acquiring team about $17MM which is less than the Packers will pay this season (about $25MM) but that is still pricey given the availability. I do think Cory may be right that Alexander gets traded around draft time as part of a package to move up and get a player Gute wants.
T7Steve
March 18, 2025 at 07:50 am
We'll see if Cory explains what he thinks. I could find no explanation by rereading his article. If the Packers end up keeping him, I hope they can rework his contract to a highly incentivized prove it deal, but Alexander would only take less if he was all in on continuing his top-of-the-line career.
dobber
March 18, 2025 at 08:11 am
With his contract, track record of availability, and age, the Packers would have to count themselves lucky to get a day 2 pick for JA.
...but it was nice of Cory to summarize one side of the discussion we had, what, 3-plus weeks ago?... on this issue.
Coldworld
March 18, 2025 at 09:34 am
The typical “fair” cost to move up from 23 to 20 is a late a late third (comp) pick per the value charts (which vary slightly) . To move up to 15 would be our second rounder and a mid 4th back. In reality though, if we want to push the pick deal, the price is likely higher. The hope is someone wants the deal and approaches us.
Given our needs and the lesser number of picks this year, I think it’s highly unlikely that we trade away day one or two picks unless there is a player that they think has had a stellar drop. Given the likely lack of QB picks, I think that is extremely unlikely.
Alexander with that contract and injury history might get us a 4th if we are lucky. So he might buy a move up to 21, less if it’s a late 4th. That’s about it. Also, remember that there may not yet be enough CBs taken to make another team willing to pull the trigger in round one before we pick.
stockholder
March 18, 2025 at 07:27 am
Both sides want this trade now.
Alexander for a Rookie cb.?
Somehow that just seems
like a unfair exchange.
Cap relief ? Not this year.
Wr - thats too bizarre.
Gute will go after a CB @23.
50/50 chance-
Maxwell Hairston CB Kentucky
FA-Fix--- Nate Hobbs-
Wish they'd just keep him and fix the
Pass Rush.
murf7777
March 18, 2025 at 07:52 am
“Add on top of that is his massive contract. The 28-year-old corner has a cap hit of $24.9 million in 2025 — which is slotted as the second-highest paid defensive back behind Tampa Bay’s Antoine Winfield Jr“
His salary cap in 2025 is high because they back loaded his contract, which the Packers do with most of their contracts. I believe his contract is 21M per year which was #1 when he signed it, but at this time the last high end CB to sign a contract was for 30M. Unless some team is in love for him and willing to give a Day 2 pick or be a decent part of a trade for Hendrickson, for 6.8M of cap savings I’d keep him.
” Over the last couple years, Alexander has suffered injuries to his groin, back shoulder and knee. He has only played in 14 games in that span as his numbers have fallen off. “
With that injury history it’s unlikely you’re going to get a day 1 or 2 draft pick. So, what do you really think a Day 3 draft pick is worth? Certainly, not going to move you up into the teens for a first round draft pick.
dobber
March 18, 2025 at 08:18 am
"His salary cap in 2025 is high because they back loaded his contract, which the Packers do with most of their contracts."
The Packers seem to be in the minority of teams that do it this way, but we're seeing more roster bonuses and such in the contracts signed this year and last. That's just banking money: they can cut the player before it vests or roll that into a signing bonus if they need cap relief. That's why I call it "going to the <player X> bank." They're just borrowing cap space against contracts...still gotta pay the piper eventually.
"With that injury history it’s unlikely you’re going to get a day 1 or 2 draft pick."
Ope! I should've read this in advance of my post above. I think you're clearly right.
Coldworld
March 18, 2025 at 09:48 am
Alexander’s contract dates back to May 2022 when we were still in last dance mode under Rodgers and pushing cap out with void years when accepted and heavy back end loading (JA has only one void year for a relatively minor amount). We are paying another price for that in the current situation.
LambeauPlain
March 18, 2025 at 12:34 pm
Forgot about that, LP...I always think of 2022 as failed season. And too easy to forget that the 2022 preseason hype for the Packers was loud and proud.
2022 was Alexanders last best year, by far...even as he was grumbling about playing Barry Ball.
Guam
March 18, 2025 at 09:22 am
I wouldn't mind having Alexander back in 2025. He is a quality DB when healthy. However the Packers have publicly tried to move him and that is never a good sign for continued tenure with a team.
Coldworld
March 18, 2025 at 09:58 am
It could just be a game of chicken resulting from a coming together injuries and a back loaded contract.
As I look at it, unless there’s a trade on draft day that really helps us in Gute’s eyes, the reality is we are better off trading or cutting him post June 1 and better still keeping him this year in terms of future cap health unless he no longer wants to play for us or something has made us not want him around (beyond his contract).
crayzpackfan
March 18, 2025 at 08:04 am
Isn't that James Pearce a bit of a headcase? Unless I am thinking of someone else? I have read that he wasn't well liked on his team.
dobber
March 18, 2025 at 08:46 am
In this day of NIL and multiple transfers, I think that kind of scouting--what's going on in this guy's head?--is more important than ever.
TKWorldWide
March 18, 2025 at 08:53 am
I find Cory’s suggestions to be awfully specific.
I also wonder if 23 injured his “back shoulder” defending a back shoulder pass. If so, I’d say ban it along with the horse collar and the hip drop. Just my 2 cents.
Cheezehead72
March 18, 2025 at 09:54 am
He injured it delivering a shoulder blow to Najee Harris. Maybe we should make tackling illegal.
TKWorldWide
March 18, 2025 at 01:11 pm
Whoooosh
LeotisHarris
March 18, 2025 at 02:01 pm
I hurt my back shoulder once cooking up something that might be something special.
Golly, the words, you know? The number of USA Americans what can't read, spake or right the National Language.
TKWorldWide
March 18, 2025 at 04:01 pm
Once again, I am witchoo, my friend!
dobber
March 18, 2025 at 08:23 am
The longer this goes, the more likely JA takes a cut in cash for 2025 and the Packers keep him around.
If he's serious about playing more football and getting a 3rd contract with meaningful guarantees (that's what these contracts are all about), he's gotta show he can play and stay on the field. If the Packers cut him loose, he's a beat-up CB who wants a lot of money. Does he get close to the $16+M in cash value that he's supposed to get from the Packers this year in a one-year deal? Probably not --even at this point. As that open-market number continues to drop, the Packers' hand gets stronger WRT getting a pay cut out of JA.
His trade value probably holds up better for 2026 picks at this point rather than 2025 picks, so if the Packers do deal him, I think it's in June or early July. I'd rather have him fully off the 2026 cap if he goes--he won't be playing in GB in '26--but that Jun. 1 trade/release is good, too.
PeteK
March 18, 2025 at 09:07 am
We get much more cap relief next year, and this season there's a chance that he is healed and motivated to play well on a contending team.
MitchAnthony
March 18, 2025 at 09:36 am
A "chance" that he's healed and motivated to play well is just a theory. Like the theory I have that my F-150 can fly like an F-15. Haven't tested it yet because it's just theory at this point.
PeteK
March 18, 2025 at 02:30 pm
If you have the 5.2 V8 there is a chance.
MitchAnthony
March 18, 2025 at 02:52 pm
5.0 but I've upgraded to a Roush intake kit and maybe next a Banks cat-back. Sure sounds sporty.
Leatherhead
March 18, 2025 at 10:12 am
Interesting perspective, dobber. I have a hard time believing he'll take a paycut to stay. I have a harder time believing there's anybody at 1265 who thinks he'll play most of the season, regardless of the salary.
I think we could use him, and our #23, to move up in the draft, get the guy we want, and free up $7M.
crayzpackfan
March 18, 2025 at 10:47 am
Who would be your pick moving up? Just curious.
Leatherhead
March 18, 2025 at 11:20 am
I think we've scored 10,16, 21, and 10 points in the last four season-ending losses. I think we need to improve the blocking and add weapons.
One of our better weapons, Christian Watson, is out of the picture, so we have to replace his 555 snaps and 20 yards/touch average just to be as good as last year, when we weren't good enough.
Assuming Alexander has a late third round value, the Packers could move up from #23 to about #18. That's not a lot,but it might be the difference between getting that guy and not.
The Guy for me, right now, is Egbuka. He is the guy that I believe has the best chance of playing 600 snaps and giving us over 700 yards of offense. He's a polished guy, he has composure, he blocks real well, and I think he'd be a real good addition to our offense.
Turophile
March 18, 2025 at 07:06 pm
Even as things stand now, his contract isn't bad when you consider recent high-end corner contracts.
There is an argument to keep him and roll the dice on him staying (relatively) healthy next season. That would mean one less urgent position to fill in the draft, allowing the Packers to narrow down good options for the first two days to DT, Edge, WR - three picks, three positions of need.
If we could end up with (for example) WR Matthew Golden, DT Alfred Collins and Edge Ashton Gillotte in the first two days - AND keep Alexander, our team has the most urgent needs covered. O line and CB could get covered on day 3 of the draft.
LambeauPlain
March 18, 2025 at 11:47 am
Sound analysis.
"If he's serious about playing more football and getting a 3rd contract with meaningful guarantees (that's what these contracts are all about), he's gotta show he can play and stay on the field."
Obviously, the Packers have sincere concerns about Alexander The Occasional's "motivation for the job". A reasonable conclusion is he now plays for big money, intent to keep himself protected from possible injury to ring the bell on a second K.
Alexander and his agent must realize other potential suitors would logically have the same concerns, wouldn't they?
If the Packers release him late summer, what would another team pay? Far less than what a reworked Packer K would pay. Renegotiate a K to pay him his total current deal...but earned and paid with play incentives.
And if he wants to be released to play for less elsewhere, good luck, sir.
My sense is Alexanders' selfish motivations for money will win out over being highly paid to play in, and win games and Championships. But one never knows, maybe he eats some humble pie.
LLCHESTY
March 18, 2025 at 08:39 am
Well at least it wasn't his front shoulder!🤣
TKWorldWide
March 18, 2025 at 09:14 am
Same page, amigo!
Dragon5
March 18, 2025 at 11:06 am
FYI: Still website issues with this site being taken to potentially malicious site(s).
Yes let's praise Gute as a savior for exemplary (failed) GM execution🤦♂️
Let me be clear Gute did not fail drafting Jaire in round 1, he did however, fail to secure valuable franchise assets by not selling high (2022 MVP Rodgers ring a 🔔?) on a volatile, Primadonna high performer. Two 1st round picks would not have been out of the question at the height of Jaire's (young) career. Gut instinct screamed that Jaire would be an eventual problem; Gute ignored it and he once again gets to eat crow.
Just another textbook example showcasing why this average GM struggles to provide a Super Bowl caliber roster.
JerseyAl
March 18, 2025 at 12:06 pm
trying to find the source of the issue has not been easy. I've escalated things today so hopefully some relief soon.
Dragon5
March 18, 2025 at 01:24 pm
I, and fellow CurdNation, appreciate you & staff Al.
No matter our differences of opinion, our common denominator ultimately unites us.
Alberta_Packer
March 18, 2025 at 01:59 pm
Like in drug-testing - never able to get ahead of the trickery. At best - just keep up.
LambeauPlain
March 18, 2025 at 12:06 pm
However, in one year, Gutey completely took the Defense from low ranked group to #6 in the NFL, right?
Or are you going to assign all that credit to Hafley and his coaches?
If you are, who is most responsible for the struggles trying to provide "a Super Bowl caliber roster" on offense? Or are Offensive Coaches not improving the players and team performance?
Can't give Gutey all the blame or all the credit any more one can assign the same to Coaching Staff.
It is a Team Sport on...and off the field.
Dragon5
March 18, 2025 at 01:17 pm
LambeauPlain,
I couldn't agree more: "It's a team sport." Anyone who frequently observes my posts knows I am not a fan of Murphy, Gute, nor MLF; I find all of them adequate, none exceptional. I've stated before, last week in fact, that the GM responsibility of utilizing a FA purse on proven talent is much less impressive than correctly sourcing the draft:
"There are far worse situations across the NFL, but you either accept or reject mediocrity; from President, to GM, to Coach, to player--each has played a fatal blow in our past decade of falling short, often with a thud. Gute is once again trying to make amends for past draft mistakes with the FA purse. I could care less if he's been with us 2 or 20 years, I've grown tired of the misses, to the point of apathy--many of them obvious to the common fan. THE DRAFT IS PARAMOUNT TO THIS SMALL MARKET FRANCHISE'S SUCCESS. Should he again fail top round heavy, I'll gladly bellow the proverbial slogan, "GOOD RIDDANCE!"
We don't have the climate, the nightlife, etc, we do however, have not just football, but #WINNING football. In essence, were it not for the last 3 decades of success, we'd find ourselves right behind the eight ball for the majority of free agents. It is human nature to be attracted to success; if you take winning out of the equation, this franchise returns to the lost decades. It starts at the top.
Lambeau is not suited for year-round utilization. While many applaud the nostalgia of football in its infant, primal form, I find our resistance to change our tragic flaw. While it may appear taboo to mess with Lambeau Field to create a venue immune to climate conditions capable of generating year-round revenue, one will have to point to Mark Murphy (and likely Bob Harlan too) and ask the question why his Titletown vision didn't include such? We're fortunate to host the draft; it's a shame (biting lip) that Lambeau Field will never be considered for a Super Bowl, nor host premier acts in the performance arts for several months in any year. I guess the Resch Center, built in '02 with a 10.2k capacity is the consolation "prize?"🤷♂️
Alberta_Packer
March 18, 2025 at 01:48 pm
There were rumors that Gutekunst wanted to move-on from Rodgers in '22 - but Murphy vetoed that idea - wanting one more kick at the can with Rodgers. I find it believable - with Murphy trying to add to his leagcy - in his closing years - as much as anything else.
Alberta_Packer
March 18, 2025 at 01:20 pm
I believe that the Packers first choice is A - to trade JA. Not necessarily as part of a trade-up move - but simply to acquire more draft capital -picks. In this year's draft the Packers currently have 8 picks. In prior years the Packers had:
2024 - 11 picks
2023 - 13 picks
2022 - 11 picks
Gutekunst has publicly stated that he wants more picks in this Draft. So it makes more sense for Gutekunst to try and convert JA's current value into draft pick(s). Of course Gutekunst is now attempting for the highest pick(s) possible. If not sufficient /possible - then plan B - retain JA for this year.
JA when healthy would add significant value to the D. Of course the major variable is his availability. However - even at 50% availabity - his impact can be significant for those games. If this is not a sufficient ROI - then Plan C - release him.
C would provide the least return to the Packers - other than some salary cap relief. Even becoming a waiver free-agent will not be sufficient for the Packers to receive a compensatory pick in 2026.
Rustyweezee
March 18, 2025 at 02:13 pm
While listening to a national NFL Draft podcast last week they brought up Jaire and the Packers trying to trade him. They said that they’ve heard that the teams interested in trading for him arrrrre….. no one. That contract, the injuries, his odd stunts he’s pulled, they all add up to “thanks, but no thanks.”
Turophile
March 18, 2025 at 02:20 pm
CoryJennerjohn quote: "He’s only played in 37 of 68 in the last four years. I get that injuries are a part of the game, but lots of players play through injuries and pain."
Cory, you are not in Jaire's body, so you have no idea how his injuries are affecting him physically, or how much pain he is in. It is duplicitous to infer that Jaire is 'too soft' to play when he could be out there, when all you are really doing is guessing.
If you want to claim Jaire is 'brittle' because of multiple injuries, that's fine - the time he missed suggests that. But to infer he is 'soft', that you have no right to do.
As for the looming trade, probably it happens, but maybe it does not, given Jaire's contract is not horribly expensive relative to his talent when on the field.
Maybe Gute looks at the cost and decides that if he is true to his word about increased urgency this year, (and has just seen the recent big money paid to good CBs), perhaps he now leans more towards keeping Jaire, and rolls the dice for one more year.