Good Bye J’aire Alexander

[tynimiller]

The crazy thing is I could see him sign a TINY deal or someone throw $10+M at him for one year.

 

[Heyjoe4]

The crazy thing is I could see him sign a TINY deal or someone throw $10+M at him for one year.

That would be ironic because I thought the Packer offer was for $10 mil salary with incentives to get hi to $17 ml.

Well at least MLF doesn't need to be concerned about JA's availability. And FWIW, I think JA became uneasy about tackling, esp after the injuries, notably the shoulder. No question about his coverage skills, but CBs need to be willing and aggressive tacklers. That might have had something to do with the Packers' inability to find a trade partner.

 

[Pkrjones]

The crazy thing is I could see him sign a TINY deal or someone throw $10+M at him for one year.

I'm throwing out my guess on his next deal: 3yr/$45mil with $20mil SB. Some dumba$$ team will bank on him staying healthy & getting a "steal". 2nd guesses: LVRaiders, Panthers or Rams.

 

[Thirteen Below]

Agree on everything except "last 2 years". Let's not forget that JA only played in 3.25 games in 2021 due to shoulder issues.

In the last 4 seasons, Jaire has played in just under half of Green Bay's games. It hurts to lose so much talent at a position of need, but like Murphy said - we're used to being without him.

But still... over the last two seasons, Green Bay has been 10-4 with him on the field, and 10-10 without him. Opponents' QB ratings with him in the game average 85, as opposed to 95 without him. Those are some sobering numbers.

By releasing Alexander after June 1st, the Packers will only be on the hook for keeping his 2025 signing bonus money (just over $7.5 million) as dead money on the 2025 salary cap.

This wasn't just about the 2025 cap; it's about the 2026 cap too. Maybe even more so. Before this move, we were $45,000,000 over for next year, and Gutekunst has to be addressing that proactively. We just went from $45m over to $28m, which makes next year's math a lot easier. Plus, the extra $17m this year gives him a more ammo for restructures.

Obviously, this was the smart move. But it's still a tough pill to swallow. The whole D has to step up now - not just the CBs, but some of the safeties need to step forward as well Williams and Bullard need to have good sophomore seasons. And this is Nixon's chance to put his money where his mouth is.

And improving the pass rush is going to be even more important. Van Ness needs to start playing like a Day One pick, and hopefully at least a couple of our new DL are able to contribute. We need to force QBs to make quick decisions.

Edit: it was inconsiderate of me not to add, "Good luck, Jaire, and thanks for your contributions here."

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I'm throwing out my guess on his next deal: 3yr/$45mil with $20mil SB. Some dumba$$ team will bank on him staying healthy & getting a "steal". 2nd guesses: LVRaiders, Panthers or Rams.

I have to agree and it might even be for more, given his potential (if healthy). I think JA and his agent are banking on a bidding war and the highest bidder will get him.

 

[DoURant]

I'm definitely bummed, he was my favorite Packers player, since being drafted. I just hope he doesn't sign with the Vikings, or another North team. I'm tired of that same old song and dance with ex-players. Wherever he ends up signing, I envision him having an injury free season... just because.

 

[GBkrzygrl]

I guess GB decided having that $17M this year to maybe extend some people outweighed having JA back. I could see either way. Let’s see what Gute does with that money.

I also guess that they liked what Hobbs brings to the table, which possibly made Alexander expendable.

 

[Calebs Revenge]

As a Bears fan, I have mixed emotions about this too because I definitely liked his being a drain on your cap space but then again when fully healthy the guy is a top-tier cornerback......
I don't know I kind of feel like we're gonna go through the same thing with Jaquan brisker over the next year or two.
He got a concussion I think week five or six last year and missed the whole rest of the season.......
He's a great great SS when healthy..... but this is a violent sport and I think one good knock against his head and he's going to have to either sit out the year or retire because I don't want to see the guy have long-term effects because he kept getting knocked in the head......
So again, I will hope for the best, but we need to plan for the worst and I think we're gonna be in the same position with him that you guys are with Alexander....or were.........

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I also guess that they liked what Hobbs brings to the table, which possibly made Alexander expendable.

I think that you are correct, that the Packers must feel somewhat comfortable with the other CB's that they have. That said, whether it is Hobbs, Nixon, Valentine or anyone else, that takes his place, it is hard to say that they will be better than a healthy JA. However, their cost, as well as their injury histories makes them a better investment for the Packers in 2025.

No doubt in my mind that if there wasn't the injury history over the last 4 seasons, JA isn't cut. Matter of fact, if he was playing at a high level, the Packers might have already been thinking about an extension for him after this season.

 

[David Ciembronowicz]

Goodbye, thanks for the memories. The issue here for GB is whether your DB's are capable of handling the elite receivers they will face 2x x 2 plus those from the other teams they play this year. If you listen to the pundits (so-called experts) the DB's GB has are avg. and that presents a real problem when you play against Det., MN. etc etc.... They play against 16-18 of the top nfl receivers (ESPN top 50) this year and have to play against 7 of them 2x. GB has not one CB in the PFF top 32 for 2025 and only one, Safety McKinney #2 in the top 32 safeties in the league (PFF). Not to say Alexander should have been kept, just sayin' this team does not appear to have the players who will be able to handle the onslaught of passes they will see. Rush the passer sure, but that is also a question mark for GB. Will be interesting to see how they deal with their situation.

 

[OldSchool101]

hmmm….

Well…,

Now that he’s not a Packer will he sign a cheap 1 yr prove it deal?

 

[OldSchool101]

In all seriousness thanks for the memories JA. Especially the Electing yourself Team Captain that was one heck of a move! You inspired me so much that I tried it and nearly got fired!

 

[milani]

Agree on everything except "last 2 years". Let's not forget that JA only played in 3.25 games in 2021 due to shoulder issues.

Gute made the right choice based on the existing contract and the past injury history of JA.

Whatever JA does in his career from this point forward, doesn't change my opinion that Gute made the right decision.

And 2021 really hurt. He went down making a tackle on the RB of Pittsburgh. He came back for the Niner playoff game and was not himself. Looked afraid to get hit.

 

[Voyageur]

In the end, it all came down to money and injury risk. He wasn't willing to negotiate, and the Packers decided to move on because there was no room to work with him.

This was and wasn't a sound decision based on how you view it, but in the end, it does open up that roster spot so they can bring someone in who hopefully can contribute.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I'm throwing out my guess on his next deal: 3yr/$45mil with $20mil SB. Some dumba$$ team will bank on him staying healthy & getting a "steal". 2nd guesses: LVRaiders, Panthers or Rams.

That's a risky deal but well within the realm of possibility. I'm glad the Packers didn't take him up on it. I really like JA, but the Packers went through enough with Bahktiari. And JA had his chances. Just too risky.

 

[El Guapo]

Jaire was a willing tackler in the run game early in his career. He mixed that with elite coverage skills. Unfortunately, it led to the shoulder injury as well as others.

As for our current stable of CBs, don't fool yourselves. We have a poor crop of players there. We will get abused and it will certainly be the reason that this is not a championship season (please re-post this late in the evening of 2/14/2026). The only thing that can save our defense is elite play from everybody else and Hafley. A strong pass rush can make even mediocre CBs look good. Unfortunately our pass rush was also a weakness last season. Things aren't looking good, but as I typed this the sun broke through the clouds. It could be a sign....or just how things work.

 

[Curly Calhoun]

Jaire was a willing tackler in the run game early in his career. He mixed that with elite coverage skills. Unfortunately, it led to the shoulder injury as well as others.

As for our current stable of CBs, don't fool yourselves. We have a poor crop of players there. We will get abused and it will certainly be the reason that this is not a championship season (please re-post this late in the evening of 2/14/2026). The only thing that can save our defense is elite play from everybody else and Hafley. A strong pass rush can make even mediocre CBs look good. Unfortunately our pass rush was also a weakness last season. Things aren't looking good, but as I typed this the sun broke through the clouds. It could be a sign....or just how things work.

I hate to see Jaire go, but honestly, I'm not too worried about Hafley's defense. It performed reasonably well last year and most of it without #23 on the field.

 

[OldSchool101]

I hate to see Jaire go, but honestly, I'm not too worried about Hafley's defense. It performed reasonably well last year and most of it without #23 on the field.

it was really a tough decision either way. I’m ok either way we just freed up some cap. I might even consider going and signing someone like Rasul if they can get him on a team friendly type 1yr. Such as 1yr 3-4Mil area maybe a INT bonus of 250K per regular season 500K per postseason.

 

[tynimiller]

Jaire was a willing tackler in the run game early in his career. He mixed that with elite coverage skills. Unfortunately, it led to the shoulder injury as well as others.

As for our current stable of CBs, don't fool yourselves. We have a poor crop of players there. We will get abused and it will certainly be the reason that this is not a championship season (please re-post this late in the evening of 2/14/2026). The only thing that can save our defense is elite play from everybody else and Hafley. A strong pass rush can make even mediocre CBs look good. Unfortunately our pass rush was also a weakness last season. Things aren't looking good, but as I typed this the sun broke through the clouds. It could be a sign....or just how things work.

I wouldn't say poor, I would say no all pro present and valid to say unproven for sure. But poor...I just don't see it.

Last year some of our toughest matchups against passing attacks where we did well:

Rams - Week 6
No Jaire - Stafford went 15 of 26 for 224 yards with 2 TDs and 1 INT. Not a spectacular day but solid against a very good QB.

Now...to be fair that is it really (bet everyone thought this post was going to be only positive spin LOL). Many of our best games came against teams that had starting QB out or really the Seattle game is also a solid one as Geno didn't go down until late and our secondary had really limited Geno and that massively deadly passing game prior to him going down.

But Darnold...tore us up efficiently...Goff also even the game we held him to such a low number of yards didn't matter because efficiency was off the charts.


Now of course last year it was mainly Valentine and Nixon with Stokes next man up.....this year will be Valentine / Nixon and Hobbs most would assume as the main three. Arguably I think it is safe to assume that group is NOT going to be worse than it was last year. Hobbs versatility seems to fit Hafley's system very well...Valentine has become a better player constantly in his career and could be working towards a breakout...and Nixon...well I pray with all my might that I'm wrong that he never should be a starter. After those three though we got unproven King, Hadden and other late round flyers or such too....

Everyone knows I was a fan at this point of just eating the Jaire cost and taking him when he can play....but I also understand moving on. Now what I don't want is Gute to just ignore the market without some calls...call up Rasul Douglas and discuss numbers...even Gilmore....find out where they are and weigh the options. I think either at the right price would make a ton of sense and neither would IMO limit the growth of guys because as we all know MOST teams have three CBs that play a TON and a fourth that see the field a LOT.

 

[tynimiller]

I hate to see Jaire go, but honestly, I'm not too worried about Hafley's defense. It performed reasonably well last year and most of it without #23 on the field.

Not to be a debbie downer...but let's look at the games he missed:

MIN Week 4 - Loss 31-29 - Darnold went 20 of 28 for 275 and 3 TDs and 1INT / their running attack put up 120 Yards on 34 attempts and had a score
RAMS Week 5 - Win 24-19 - Stafford went 29 of 45 for 260 yards 1 TD and 1 INT / their running attack put up 134 yards on 28 attempts and a score
LIONS Week 9 - Loss 24-14 - Goff went 18 of 22 for 145 yards and one TD / running attack put up 124 yards on 32 attempts and a score
49ers Week 12 - Win...We faced Brandon Allen as Purdy was hurt....
PHINS Week 13 - Win 30-17 - Tua lit us up for 37 for 46 and 365 yards with 2 TDs / Running attack we shut down though for 39 yards on 14 attempts
LIONS Week 14 - Loss 34-31 - Goff had a solid day going 32 for 41 and 283 yards with 3 TDs and 1INT / rushing for 111 yards on 34 attempts and 1 score
SEA Week 15 - Win 30-13 - We did well but not great against Geno before he left in the second half...
NO Week 16 - Win 34-0 - we played a rookie and a struggling one at that....
MIN Week 17 - Loss 27-25 - Darnold went 33 of 43 for 377 yards 3TDs and 1INT / they rushed for 69 yards on 26 attempts
CHI Week 18 - Loss 24-22 - Caleb went 21 of 29 for 148 yards and 1TD / they rushed for 83 yards on 26 for 1TD

Even in a win Tua lit us up...we faced in a couple other games Allen, Rattler and Howell (post Geno)....while losing all four games against Vikings/Lions....

Hafley's defense played the run as a whole freaking awesome last year...and to be fair played the good teams good but not great.

If the players knowledge and growth of the system occurs it very well could be an impressive year....this should happen because of how young of a team we were last year...but reality is without Jaire on the field last year we had a record of 5-5...but those five wins again came against Brandon Allen, Spencer Rattler, Howell in closing for three of them...

 

[gopkrs]

I hate to see Jaire go, but honestly, I'm not too worried about Hafley's defense. It performed reasonably well last year and most of it without #23 on the field.

I'm kinda worried about it. I hope Bullard steps up. I wasn't that impressed with him last year. And I definitely hope some of these young corners on the roster can play. I don't know anything about them but they were not high draft picks, that's for sure.

 

[tynimiller]

I'm kinda worried about it. I hope Bullard steps up. I wasn't that impressed with him last year. And I definitely hope some of these young corners on the roster can play. I don't know anything about them but they were not high draft picks, that's for sure.

In truth if Hafley just holds serve and we play as well against the run as last year and create timely turnovers...this team is likely a 9 win team alone. The question is can a few guys take the next step, can we see growth in pressures and do we have at least one surefire stud CB that will rise to the top...that all happens and this young dynamite team that is becoming more polished could be really tough for anyone to handle.

 

[OldSchool101]

I’d agree on one point we’re not better without JA. That said let’s look at changes since 2024.

Imo Nate Hobbs is a slight upgrade over Stokes. Stokes was a low end starter level CB. Almost became a place marker level until you find someone better.
Also the losses in the DB room were primarily on Teams. Ballentine and Rochelle were Core Teams but not game changers by any means. They barely played on our Defense.

So from a 2024 comparative view we lose Ja but he only started in 14 of the last 34+ postseason games. Meaning he didn’t finish them, so he really was out finishing 13 games in 2 seasons or 6.5 games per season. Listen. I love the kid he’s a heck of a ball player. Yet availability is the most imoortant aspect of playing a sport. If you’re not out there your impact is minimal over the bigger picture.

 

[OldSchool101]

After that. Do you pay a guy finishing 6 games per season in consecutive seasons? Ita like that wonderful vehicle that has miles on it and you start putting her in the shop. If it can’t get point a to b regularly it’s time to get a replacement. Sure there’s a risk someone fixes up that car and you see them popping wheelies. But cmon it’s time to move on and let these young guys battle.
Also we’ve got several 7th rounders to UDFA that I really am interested in seeing fill out our depth. Yes we eat his sunk. We get to spread it primarily in 25-26 seasons. Freeing up $17.0mil now and another 19.5Mil next season. That’s a ton af cap

 

[OldSchool101]

In 2024 the Packers pass D was 17th in attempts. Yet 13th, 9th,3rd and 11th in yards, TD, INT, net yards per

I don’t think this changes us dramatically. That took a team to do that. Sometimes we lose sight of team over player. Myself included.

We’re donning some dudes at the bottom that I think could really be good contributors. Much like Valentine was a couple years ago. Just good athletes in board not necessarily all great but a solid bunch of intriguing athletes. We also just stuffed our wallet if we feel the need to add a veteran.