The Green Bay Packers had a fantastic 2024 season, winning 11 games and establishing a strong future for the team. However, the Philadelphia Eagles eliminated them in the Wild Card Round, ending their postseason run. Despite their early postseason loss, Green Bay remains a hot topic in offseason conversations, even before the NFL season officially ends.
Packer Playoff Exit and Offseason Speculation
Following their victory over Green Bay, the Eagles will face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59 on Sunday, February 9. Once the championship game is finished, teams throughout the league, including the Packers, may begin making big roster changes.
Jaire Alexander, the Packers’ top cornerback, is among the most talked-about players in Green Bay. The brilliant defender signed a four-year, $84 million contract, but has suffered with injuries, participating in only seven games each of the last two seasons. Given his limited availability and the team’s financial issues, there have been rumours that the Packers may part ways with him to clear up salary cap space.
ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell is the latest to suggest that Green Bay might consider moving on from Alexander.
“Potential candidates for release: CB Jaire Alexander,” Barnwell writes. “The most tough decision for Green Bay will be at cornerback, where Alexander’s future with the team is questionable. When he is on the field, the 2018 first-round pick performs well, but getting him there has proven difficult. He has missed 34 games in the last four years due to various injuries, including the second half of 2024 with a knee injury.
Barnwell expands on the financial side, writing, “Alexander is owed nearly $17.2 million in cash in 2025, none of which is guaranteed.” The Packers have also not had a large on/off split with him over the last four seasons in terms of expected points added (EPA) per play. They can afford to pay him in the hopes of seeing him on the field on a regular basis, but would they be better off investing that money on players who are more likely to suit up for the entire 17-game season?
Will Green Bay Move on?
When healthy, Alexander is without a doubt one of Green Bay’s best defensive players, making a huge effect on the field. However, his injury history raises questions about his long-term dependability. Given the financial limits and the necessity for consistency in the secondary, the Packers may have to make a difficult decision about his future.
If Green Bay choose to replace Alexander, they will need to look at viable alternatives at cornerback, whether through free agency or the draft. Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus has named the Green Bay Packers as a potential suitor for Buffalo Bills cornerback Rasul Douglas during free agency. Douglas is only one option for Green Bay if they decide to replace Alexander.
Finally, Alexander’s future with the Packers will be determined by the organization’s belief in his ability to stay healthy and produce consistently. With offseason moves likely, Green Bay’s front staff will need to carefully consider whether keeping Alexander is the best choice or reallocating resources to more durable players who can better serve the team’s long-term interests.
According to Over the Cap, the Packers will have approximately $42 million in cap space heading into the 2025 offseason.
This means they don’t have to give up on Jaire Alexander. However, if they do, the Green Bay Packers must reorganize their cornerback corps and locate a man who can compete with the rival team’s top wide receiver.
The Packers hold the 23rd overall pick and should be in a good position to land a top cornerback in the 2025 NFL Draft or through free agency.
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