The reality of the Packers’ cornerback problem is that Jaire Alexander has never been fully healthy.
Sure, he’s been healthier in the past than he is now, but Alexander has only played a complete slate of games twice in his NFL career.
The first occurred in 2019, his second season in the NFL – now more than a decade ago. The second was in 2022, and that season is marked with an asterisk. Alexander played 16 games that year, missing one due to a late-season suspension.
But that is it. Alexander has missed numerous games due to injuries during his collegiate days. Being healthy is the exception, and the Packers signed him to a contract extension after the 2021 season, well knowing of that fact.
So, what changed? The cost of missing a game increased significantly following his deal, as did the frequency with which he missed games. At some point, the cost/benefit equation changes solidly away from the Packers, who undoubtedly want the best for Alexander’s injuries, but are not running a charity. They need him on the field, or he’ll be out of town.
The catch is that if Alexander leaves Green Bay, the Packers will face a massive rebuild at the corner. Keisean Nixon may see himself as CB1, but I’m not convinced the Packers do, and CB2 and CB3 are much less resolved. Is eight games of Jaire Alexander better than going into 2025 with thoughts and prayers in two of your top corners?
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