Xavier McKinney's social media activity fuels Packers fans' hopes that Jaire Alexander could stick around longer
The Green Bay Packers is clearly willing to move on from cornerback Jaire Alexander. The combination of injury concerns and money makes it unlikely that Alexander will be around in 2025, as the Packers are open to trading him. However, general manager Brian Gutekunst hasn't ruled out his return next season.On Wednesday, Packers safety Xavier […]
The Green Bay Packers is clearly willing to move on from cornerback Jaire Alexander. The combination of injury concerns and money makes it unlikely that Alexander will be around in 2025, as the Packers are open to trading him. However, general manager Brian Gutekunst hasn't ruled out his return next season.
On Wednesday, Packers safety Xavier McKinney gave Packers fans some hope that Alexander might stick around after all. On social media, the All-Pro safety posted videos of him and Jaire working out together.
Obviously, it doesn't mean that Alexander will stay. But it's a good indication that the former All-Pro cornerback is still well-liked inside the locker room, which is a part of the evaluation process.
No rush to make a final call
The Packers don't have a roster bonus or any type of trigger date on Jaire Alexander's contract before Week 1. Therefore, the team can simply wait and see what's going to happen. There's actually no reason to release him before the final roster cuts.
Gutekunst wants draft compensation. And if he doesn't get it, at least the new team will have less information and less time to get Alexander acclimated—which is particularly important if it ends up being an NFC North rival.
"We invested a lot in Jaire and want to make sure, if he's not gonna be on our football team helping us win games, that we get something back for that investment," Gutekunst said at the NFL League Meetings. "We'll see where it goes, but again, working with (agent John Thornton) weekly and trying to figure out what's best for both Jaire and the Packers."
So far, the Packers haven't offered Alexander a paycut—and according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky, the cornerback wouldn't take one. That's the biggest problem from Green Bay's perspective, because it's hard to keep Jaire at his current $17.5 million salary.
Interestingly, Alexander has a $700k workout bonus based on if he attends the Packers' offseason program. So if a trade doesn't materialize before or immediately after the draft, the cornerback might be at practice in Green Bay soon.
Packers’ decision on Jaire Alexander might not be close to happening after Brian Gutekunst’s latest comments
General manager is in no rush to make a move
