The Packers have to make some crucial decisions as they plan their offseason. Among the most noteworthy of such is a call on Jaire Alexander.
When Alexander inked a four-year, $84MM extension in the spring of 2022, Green Bay made him the league’s highest paid cornerback. Although his $21MM AAV has already been exceeded two times, the agreement has kept expectations high. Alexander has given great play when on the field since signing his second contract, but the frequency with which he has been sidelined (combined with reported conflict with the squad) has led to talk regarding a release.
“There’s frustration, I think, on both sides, from the fact he can’t get out there,” general manager Brian Gutekunst said concerning Alexander’s circumstances (Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette). “That is challenging. I feel for him because he wants to be out there, he wants to play. Still, no disconnect.
Although the Packers might choose to retain the former first-rounder on contract for 2025, a parting of ways would not surprise anyone at this point. ESPN’s Rob Demovsky notes, indeed, there are “strong indications” Alexander won not be back; many people from within the team are unhappy with his absences induced by injuries. Following sixteen appearances in 2022, the Packers’ top cover guy has only seen seven games in each of the past two years.
Alexander is expected to carry cap hits of $24.96MM and $27.38MM in 2025 and ’26, the final two years of his agreement. A release before June 1 would not provide a net savings for the organization, but a post-June 1 designation would yield slightly over $17MM in cap space coupled with a dead money charge of $7.88MM. Those dollars might be allocated towards a less expensive replacement at the CB post as the Packers also seek out upgrades along the defensive front through free agency and the draft this spring.
In addition to making a choice on Alexander, Green Bay will attempt to find stability at the kicking spot. The Anders Carlson selection in 2023 did not go as anticipated, and the Packers spent last offseason cycling thru various choices at the position. Brandon McManus proved to be a worthwhile midseason addition, though, converting on 20 of his 21 field goal attempts and each of his 30 extra point kicks. Despite one miss in the wild-card round of the playoffs, McManus is a priority for the Packers with respect to a new deal.
“If we were able to get Brandon back, I think certainly that would make me feel very, very, very good about that [specialist] group,” Gutekunst said (via Demovsky) when asked about retaining McManus.
The Packers now sit mid-pack in terms of projected cap space, and a small deal is no doubt all that will be required to keep McManus in place. Green Bay might free up extra dollars by moving on from Alexander, and his status will remain one to watch closely as cost-cutting season unfolds around the league.
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