The Green Bay Packers suddenly have a big void to fill on defense.
After releasing All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander before mandatory minicamp kicked off, capping an offseason-long contract impasse, general manager Brian Gutekunst may need to get creative to fortify the Packers’ secondary in 2025.
This week, the Packers even spent time working wide receiver Bo Melton in at cornerback, leaving no stone unturned to find quality defensive back play.
Whether it’s promoting from within, a position change, or a blockbuster trade, Green Bay needs to figure something out before Week 1 kicks off in September.
Could Familiar Face Replace Jaire Alexander for Packers?
Packers, Rasul Douglas
Green Bay Packers cornerback Rasul Douglas (29) celebrates a fumble recovery during second half of their game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023 at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Gutekunst and the Packers could turn to a familiar face to replace Alexander.
CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan suggests that former Packers cornerback Rasul Douglas could be an ideal fit.
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“[Rasul] Douglas signed with the Packers in early October during the 2021 season and was with the organization up until the trade deadline in 2023, when he was shipped to the Buffalo Bills.” CBS’ Tyler Sullivan writes.
“While Douglas doesn’t have familiarity with current defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, he is a known commodity to head coach Matt LaFleur. Douglas started 28 games for the Packers during his tenure, totaling 174 tackles, 32 pass breakups and 10 interceptions. In 15 games played for the Bills last season, Douglas broke up five passes and posted 58 tackles. The 30-year-old did struggle, however, giving up a 122.0 passer rating when covered, according to Pro Football Reference. ”
Given the premium that coordinator Jeff Hafley’s defense pays dominant cornerback play, perhaps a change of scenery could bring out the best in Douglas.
Douglas, who is a free agent, is coming off making $21 million over the life of his contract with the Buffalo Bills and could be the kind of physical presence in the secondary that elevates the position group in Hafley’s defense to help fill the void left behind by Alexander.
