Last week, a report surfaced from The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman that the Green Bay Packers offered Jaire Alexander a restructured contract. It was unclear if the Packers requested Alexander take a paycut with the restructure.

However, the gesture was a sign that Green Bay’s front office was willing to bring back Alexander for the upcoming season instead of seeking a trade or designating him as a post-June 1 cap cut.

Alexander and his agent haven’t agreed to the updated terms. On Tuesday, Alexander was not present at the Packers’ voluntary minicamp practice open to the media. The two-time All-Pro plans to be in attendance for next week’s mandatory minicamp.

The Packers appear to have lost some leverage in their negotiations with Alexander, a 2018 first-round pick.

Per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, cornerback Nate Hobbs was not in attendance on Wednesday (along with a few other players).

Second-year cornerback Kalen King, who could have a bigger role if Alexander is not on the team this fall, struggled with his assignment during the Packers’ two-minute drill to end practice.

The Green Bay Packers have a secondary problem

Per ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, King was in coverage on a 30-yard touchdown strike from Jordan Love to Jayden Reed.

‘”Best play in the two OTAs we’ve been allowed in: Jordan Love with perfect placement on a 30-yard teardrop to Jayden Reed for a TD over Kalen King in the 2 minute drill followed by the winning 2-point play from Love to Doubs,” Demovsky posted on X.

Jaire Alexander has some leverage here

Without Alexander, the Packers’ secondary is going to be an issue for defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s defense. While the Packers are worried about paying Alexander’s salary given his inability to stay healthy in recent seasons, he’s Green Bay’s best option at cornerback right now.

The Packers’ front office must decide between throwing away some money or throwing away the season. And King’s efforts should help Alexander’s case before mandatory minicamp.