Jaire Alexander's future in Green Bay is not as certain as one could expect just one year after the Packers made him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. The relationship is not in an ideal place and, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Packers have a big timeline to make a decision.

On March 20, Jaire Alexander has a significant $8 million roster bonus. If the Packers decide to keep him long-term, they just maintain him on the roster — and potentially convert the roster bonus into a signing bonus to lower his cap hit in 2024.

But if the Packers are willing to move on Alexander in a trade, it has to happen before the bonus conveys. According to the report, “Green Bay also could explore a trade.”

Schefter reported on Saturday night:

^{"In the opinion of some sources around the league, the Packers cannot be pleased with how often Alexander has been inactive or about his behavior last Sunday, making his roster bonus a central issue."}

There are some factors for the Packers to not be satisfied. The first one is Alexander's decision not to participate in offseason activities, surrendering a $700,000 workout bonus earlier this year. His injury history and the decision to make himself a captain against the Carolina Panthers, leading to a coin toss controversy, are also important points.

Green Bay suspended Jaire Alexander for one game because of conduct detrimental to the team. While announcing the suspension, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst said the intention was to keep the player long-term.

"While we are disappointed, we had a good conversation with Jaire this morning and fully expect him to learn from this as we move forward together," Gutekunst mentioned via an official statement. "We look forward to welcoming him back next week as he is a valued member of this team and will continue to be in the future."

Contract ramifications

The Packers drafted Jaire Alexander in the first round of the 2018 draft. It was Gutekunst's first selection as the team's general manager. Last year, the team gave him a four-year, $84 million contract.

Next season, Alexander is slated to make $15.3 million between base salary and bonuses.

If Green Bay decides to trade Alexander in March, before his roster bonus is paid, they would have $27.456 million in dead money — which means they would lose $3.1 million in cap space in 2024. Jaire Alexander is under contract with the Packers through 2026.

Jaire Alexander has had injuries and suboptimal performances this year. Previously, the cornerback had been an elite player for the Packers throughout his career, with two appearances on the Second-Team All-Pro and two Pro Bowls (2020 and 2022). He also made the All-Rookie Team in 2018.

This has been Jaire Alexander's worst season in the NFL, according to PFF. He has a 65.6 overall grade, including an underwhelming 68.5 coverage grade and 48.5 tackling grade. Previously, he had never had a season under 70 — he put up a 72.4 overall grade as a rookie. His best season was 2020, when Jaire had a 90.5 grade and helped the Packers be the first overall seed in the NFC and reach the NFC Championship Game.

In 2021, he suffered a shoulder injury and missed three quarters of the season. However, he came back strong last year, once again making an All-Pro team. This year, though, he's had back and shoulder issues, and his attitude missing offseason activities and with the coin toss controversy in Charlotte has been reason for concern around Green Bay. 

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