Green Bay Packers Looking Like They Made The Right Call With Jaire Alexander

When the Green Bay Packers released cornerback Jaire Alexander in June 2025, it marked the end of a tumultuous relationship between the franchise and one of their most talented defensive players. While some questioned the decision to part ways with a two-time Pro Bowler, Alexander’s ongoing struggles with injuries in Baltimore are proving that the Packers made the right call.

Jaire Alexander’s Promising Start With The Green Bay Packers

Drafted 18th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, Jaire Alexander quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier cornerbacks. His combination of speed, athleticism, and ball skills made him an immediate impact player for the Packers’ defense. Alexander’s ability to shadow elite receivers and his knack for creating turnovers earned him recognition as one of the NFL’s rising stars.

During his peak years, Alexander was nearly unstoppable. He earned Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors while serving as the cornerstone of Green Bay’s secondary. His presence allowed the Packers to be more aggressive defensively, knowing they had lockdown coverage on one side of the field.

The organization rewarded Alexander’s excellence with a four-year, $84 million contract extension in 2022, making him one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the NFL. At the time, it seemed like a smart investment in a young, elite talent who could anchor the defense for years to come.

When Injuries Became a Pattern

Unfortunately, Jaire Alexander’s career trajectory took a dramatic turn as injuries began to mount. What started as occasional missed practices evolved into a concerning pattern of extended absences that would define his final years in Green Bay.

Over his last four seasons with the Green Bay Packers, Alexander missed a staggering 33 games due to various injuries, with knee problems becoming the most persistent issue. The 2024 season was particularly troublesome, as Alexander missed 10 games with a knee injury that eventually required surgery.

These weren’t minor bumps and bruises that players typically play through. Alexander’s injuries were significant enough to keep him off the field for extended periods, limiting his ability to contribute to the team’s success when it mattered most.

The Breaking Point: Suspension and Contract Disputes

Beyond the physical setbacks, Alexander’s relationship with the organization became strained. He was suspended for one game due to team conduct issues, adding to his growing list of missed games. The situation reached a boiling point during contract negotiations, where the Packers offered Alexander an incentive-laden deal that his representatives deemed unacceptable.

Alexander’s father publicly criticized the Packers’ offer, calling it something that “would have been foolish to take.” This public airing of contract disputes further damaged the relationship between player and organization, making a separation inevitable.

General Manager Brian Gutekunst, who had initially signed Alexander to his massive extension, found himself in the difficult position of needing to move on from a player he had heavily invested in. The decision to release Alexander wasn’t made lightly, but it became clear that the relationship was beyond repair.

Baltimore’s Reality Check

When Alexander signed with the Baltimore Ravens on a modest one-year, $4 million deal with $2 million in incentives, many viewed it as a bargain for Baltimore and a fresh start for the embattled cornerback. However, the honeymoon period has been short-lived.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh recently revealed that Alexander has been missing practice due to ongoing knee issues, describing it as “something he’s been dealing with for a few years.” The admission that Alexander had his knee drained in July serves as a stark reminder of the persistent health problems that plagued his time in Green Bay.

“He had something to take care of that knee,” Harbaugh explained. “It’s something he’s been dealing with for a few years now, so it’s not anything we didn’t expect probably…but you got to take a couple of days after you do that before you can practice.”

The fact that Alexander can’t get through a training camp without significant knee issues validates the Packers’ concerns about his long-term durability.

Green Bay’s Secondary Moving Forward

While the Packers aren’t completely without their own injury concerns—Alexander’s replacement, Nate Hobbs, is dealing with a knee injury—the organization appears confident in their decision. The secondary now features Keisean Nixon and Javon Bullard in starting roles, with depth provided by converted wide receiver Bo Melton, Carrington Valentine, and potentially Kalen King.

The Packers’ approach reflects a shift in philosophy under head coach Matt LaFleur and defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. Rather than banking on one elite but injury-prone player, they’re building depth and relying on players who can stay on the field consistently.

The Financial Wisdom of Moving On

From a financial perspective, the Packers’ decision becomes even more defensible. Alexander’s massive contract would have continued to count against the salary cap while he spent time on the injury report. By releasing him, Green Bay freed up significant resources that could be allocated to other positions of need.

The Ravens’ low-risk, one-year deal with Alexander demonstrates how the market viewed his value after his injury-plagued tenure in Green Bay. Baltimore essentially paid bargain-basement prices for a former All-Pro, which speaks volumes about the concerns surrounding Alexander’s durability.

A Cautionary Tale About Injury-Prone Stars

Jaire Alexander’s situation serves as a reminder that talent alone isn’t enough in the NFL. Availability is crucial, and players who consistently miss significant time due to injuries eventually become liabilities regardless of their peak performance level.

The Packers learned this lesson the hard way with Alexander, watching a promising young cornerback’s career derailed by persistent health issues. Their willingness to cut ties, despite the sunk cost of his contract, demonstrates organizational maturity and a commitment to building a sustainable defense.

Looking Ahead

As the 2025 season approaches, both teams face uncertainty in their secondary. The difference is that Green Bay has moved on from a player whose injury history suggested continued problems, while Baltimore is hoping they can manage those same issues for at least one season.

The early signs from the Baltimore Ravens camp suggest that the Green Bay Packers’ concerns were well-founded. Alexander’s inability to practice consistently during training camp raises serious questions about his availability for the regular season.

For the Packers, Alexander’s ongoing struggles in Baltimore serve as validation of their difficult decision. Sometimes the hardest choices prove to be the wisest ones, and Green Bay’s willingness to move on from Jaire Alexander appears to be aging like fine wine.

The organization can now focus on developing its young secondary players without the distraction of managing a star player’s chronic injury issues. While time will ultimately judge this decision, the early returns suggest the Packers made the right call in parting ways with their former All-Pro cornerback.