Packers CB Jaire Alexander Returns From Injury, Ignites Defense in Must-Win Game

Green Bay, Wis.—In a surprise cost-cutting move that instantly reshapes the 2025 NFL offseason, the Green Bay Packers are releasing two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander, according to multiple reports Monday morning. Why the Packers are moving on • Cap relief: Cutting Alexander frees roughly $17.1 million in 2025 space while leaving $7.9 million in dead money, per early contract projections. • Failed restructure talks: Green Bay explored reworking the deal last month, but the sides never reached agreement on new guarantees or bonus conversions. • Injury concerns: Alexander was limited to nine games last season by shoulder and back issues, the second time in three years he missed significant snaps. Alexander’s résumé at a glance • Drafted: Round 1, No. 18 overall (2018, Louisville) • Accolades: First-team All-Pro (2020), Pro Bowls (2020, 2022) • Career stats: 82 regular-season games, 13 interceptions, 64 pass break-ups, 305 tackles Potential landing spots 1. Washington Commanders—new GM Adam Peters has cap room and a glaring CB need after shipping Kendall Fuller to Miami. 2. Minnesota Vikings—already rumored as a suitor while rebuilding their secondary. 3. Houston Texans—defensive-minded head coach DeMeco Ryans loves press-man specialists and still has cash to spend. What Alexander brings At 5-foot-10 and 196 pounds, Alexander’s elite click-and-close quickness makes him one of the NFL’s stickiest man-coverage defenders. When healthy, he routinely shadows No. 1 receivers and owns a passer rating against of just 63.2 since 2020—third best among corners with 200-plus targets. Impact on Green Bay Releasing Alexander signals confidence in 2024 first-round pick Cooper DeJean and veteran Rasul Douglas to anchor the boundary. It also positions GM Brian Gutekunst to chase offensive weapons for Jordan Love with newly freed cap cash. The road ahead Alexander must now pass a physical and clear waivers; because of his contract size ($32 million cash due this season), he’s expected to reach free agency quickly. Look for visits to begin as early as Tuesday, with contenders offering one-year, prove-it structures that let the 28-year-old corner re-enter the market in 2026. Key quote “Still an elite talent when right, but the Packers clearly wanted to reallocate resources,” one NFC pro personnel director told Yahoo Sports anonymously Monday. Bottom line Jaire Alexander’s release sends shockwaves through the cornerback market and gives playoff hopefuls a rare chance to sign a true No. 1 cover man before training camps open. Expect a fast-moving courtship—and more twists—as the NFL’s busiest offseason in years continues to heat up.