Jaire Alexander has proven himself to be one of the premier cornerbacks in the NFL when completely healthy. However, Alexander has been unable to stay on the field over the past few seasons.
On Thursday, an NFL insider who spoke to Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur revealed the team’s current status with Alexander.
Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) celebrates following the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field.
© Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
ESPN NFL analyst Peter Schrager appeared on The Pat McAfee Show, where he revealed what LaFleur said to him over dinner in Green Bay a couple of weeks ago.
“I talked to Matt LaFleur during draft week, and he said they’re in a good place with Jaire Alexander,” Schrager said.
There have been conflicting reports throughout the offseason on the team’s status with Alexander, with some reports suggesting that there was very little chance that he would be on the roster in September.
However, general manager Brian Gutekunst never ruled out a return for the star cornerback when asked about a potential move this offseason. Schrager commented on those reports as well.
“From what I gathered, this thing is in a lot better place than what was being presented in the media, and that there is a place for Jaire Alexander in Green Bay,” Schrager added. “He and Jeff Hafley actually have had a great relationship, and it’s a different breed and a different time.”
Considering that he has missed exactly half (34) of all regular-season games played since 2021, a contract restructure is likely to occur if the team decides to keep Alexander. He is currently entering his third year of a 4-year, $84 million contract, making him the fifth highest paid cornerback right now.
Not only is Alexander the team’s clear top cornerback who follows their opponent’s top receiver each game, but he has also played elite when it matters most.
In six full postseason games played, he has three interceptions and has allowed just two receptions.
With Alexander on the field last season, the Packers went 7-1, with the lone loss being in Week 1 to the eventual Super Bowl Champions Philadelphia Eagles
The team added just one cornerback in the draft, selecting Tulane’s Micah Robinson in the 7th round. However, they did sign former Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs to a 4-year, $48 million deal. It is important to note that Hobbs is primarily a slot corner and will play a majority of his time there.
There will likely be a decision made between Green Bay and Alexander in the coming weeks.
