(Photo: USA TODAY Sports)
Will the Jaire Alexander saga ever end?!
On Tuesday, the unique contract dispute between the Packers and Jaire Alexander took another wild turn as Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reported that the Packers have offered Jaire Alexander a revised contract, that Jaire Alexander and his agency have yet to accept the contract, and that Jaire Alexander does want to play with the Packers in 2025. These were all new pieces of information and up until this point we had no real inclination as to whether or not Jaire had any real interest in even returning to Green Bay. We also had no idea if Green Bay would actually offer Jaire a revised contract. We now have answers to both of those questions.
While this new information is noteworthy, it does not in and of itself guarantee that a resolution is near, nor does it mean that Jaire Alexander will for sure play in Green Bay this upcoming season. But it does certainly show that there is some level of mutual interest in a reconciliation on both sides.
The entire scenario has taken so many twists and turns that it's been difficult to keep track of, so I wanted to try and put together a comprehensive list of reports, as well as important dates, updates, injuries, press conferences, etc..., so that we can keep track of everything all in one spot and get a better feel for how this entire situation has unfolded.
I will try and keep this list updated with new reports and if there is anything that was missed over the past few months I will do my best to update any additional information that is needed. With that said, here is the Jaire Alexander timeline in it's entirety:
2021 Season - Alexander misses 13 games due to a shoulder injury injury
May 16th, 2022 - Packers & Jaire Alexander agree to a 4-year - $84 million contract extension
2022 Season - Alexander misses Week 4 with a groin injury
2023 Season - Jaire Alexander misses three games due to a back injury and six games due to a shoulder injury
December 24th, 2023 - Jaire Alexander anoints himself captain prior to the game and takes his place with the captains during the coin toss
December 27th, 2023 - Packers suspend Jaire Alexander for 1 game for conduct detrimental to the team
October 27th, 2024 - Jaire Alexander injures his PCL on the final play in Week 8 against the Jaguars.
November 17th - Jaire returns against the Bears in Week 11 following the Week 10 bye. Jaire would only play 10 snaps and would not make it through the game. These would be the final snaps he played in the 2024 season.
November 21st - Matt Schneidman had a fantastic article and interview with Jaire Alexander on the entire Jaire injury situation:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5938752/2024/11/21/packers-jaire-alexander-pcl-injury/
December 31st - Alexander completes surgery for his PCL injury
January 12th - Packers lose to Eagles 22-10 in the Wild Card game, ending their 2024-2025 season
January 13th - During locker clean-out, Jaire declined to interview, said he had nothing good to say and didn't know if he'd be back with the team. Meanwhile Keisean Nixon openly lobbied for the number one cornerback position
Jaire's Contract & Missed Time:
Prior to any reports or discussion on the topic of a potential trade, it was clear that the Packers and Alexander were going to have to come to a resolution on Jaire's contract in some way, as the Packers were extremely unlikely to pay Jaire Alexander an additional $17+ million in 2025 after Jaire had missed 34 out of a possible 68 games in his last 4 seasons combined.
January 16th: Brian Gutekunst's End of Season Press Conference:
"I know it's been really, really frustrating for not only him as a player, but us as a club." "When you have a player who's done what he's done for us in the past, and then not being able to get him out on the field consistently, that's tough. You know it's tough on the player, tough on the organization."
"We're at the beginning stages of just kind of gathering information as a whole before we start looking at next year and how we're going to lay this thing out. But we could (pay him). I mean, obviously, when he's healthy and he's ready to play, he's a pretty good player."
Gutekunst was much more committed when talking about Quay Walker & Brandon McManus returning, despite McManus being an unrestricted free agent and Jaire being under contract.
January 16th - Matt Schneidman's Article on Brian Gutekunst's Press Conference:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6067619/2025/01/16/packers-brian-gutekunst-jaire-alexander/
Schneidman notes: "It's hard to see cornerback Jaire Alexander returning to the Packers."
February 5th - Josh Jacobs on Radio Row:
"I think we need another defensive end. I think we need another defensive back. And I think we need a wide receiver — a real (No. 1) wide receiver."
Clearly Jacobs was not talking about safety when he said defensive back.
February 15th - Rob Demovsky Article on Pending Free Agents:
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43843304/nfl-packers-free-agents-jaire-alexander-brandon-mcmanus
Demovsky notes: "There are strong indications that Alexander's time with the Packers will end without him playing another down. Multiple team sources have privately expressed their frustration with Alexander's inability to stay healthy and/or play through injuries."
February 25th - Brian Gutekunst Press Conference:
On Jaire potentially returning to the Packers: "We'll see; we're working through that." "He certainly could be, but I think we'll work through that as we go. We've got to get him out there now. I think obviously we've talked about there's been a lot of frustration on his part. He wants to be out there badly, and not being able to be out there at his best has frustrated him, and that has frustrated our football team, too, because we're better with him. But we'll see."
"I think he loves Green Bay." "He's always got a lot of energy when he's in the building. And I think he's still around. So, we'll work through that as we go through the offseason (and) see where that leads."
February 26th - Ian Rapoport Tweet:
"Sources: The #Packers have had trade conversations centered around star CB Jaire Alexander and they are open to moving him for the right price.
Alexander, still just 28 and a two-time Pro Bowler, is considered to be the most decorated CB available."
Sources: The #Packers have had trade conversations centered around star CB Jaire Alexander and they are open to moving him for the right price.
Alexander, still just 28 and a two-time Pro Bowler, is considered to be the most decorated CB available. pic.twitter.com/rOF3qsBn1z
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 26, 2025
February 26th - Rob Demovsky Article on the Packers Listening to Trade Offers for Jaire Alexander:
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/44026363/sources-packers-listen-trade-offers-jaire-alexander
Demovsky notes: "There have been strong indications since late last season that Alexander's time in Green Bay could be over. Multiple team sources have privately expressed their frustration with Alexander's inability to stay healthy and/or play through injuries."
February 26th - Tom Silverstein Article on a Potential Jaire Alexander Trade:https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2025/02/26/jaire-alexander-green-bay-packers-should-find-amicable-end-to-relationship/80530720007/
Silverstein notes: "The Green Bay Packers' breakup with Jaire Alexander is coming and only a crisis at the team's cornerback position could result in a change of heart."
"A source familiar with the talks Tuesday between the Packers and Alexander's agent, John Thornton, said the Packers didn't rule out a return but gave the impression they're moving on. The Packers didn't bother to ask for a pay cut because they know Alexander wouldn't accept it."
March 3rd - Jordan Schultz Report on Jaire Alexander:
https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/nfl-confidential-two-qbs-who-could-among-biggest-steals-2025-draft
Schultz notes: "Meanwhile, two-time All-Pro Jaire Alexander is available via trade, although most executives believe the Packers will ultimately release him."
March 10th - Packers reportedly sign Nate Hobbs
March 11th - Eric Stokes reportedly signs with the Raiders
March 13th - Jaire Alexander congratulates Nate Hobbs on becoming a Packer
March 14th - Corey Ballentine signs with the Colts
March 17th - Rob Demovsky's Update on Jaire Alexander:
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/44274974/nfl-green-bay-packers-nate-hobbs-jaire-alexander
From Demovsky: "While Alexander remains on the roster, the Packers are still trying to trade him, according to team sources and a source close to the player. They could wait indefinitely but most likely would prefer to get something done before next month's draft. One source said the team has not approached Alexander about taking a pay cut and that even if it did, he would not be willing to do so. Without a trading partner, the Packers would likely release him, but there is no urgency to do so because he has no guaranteed money left on his deal until the start of the regular season, when he's due $17.5 million."
March 31st - Brian Gutekunst on Jaire:
"John Thornton (of Roc Nation Sports) is his agent. We talk weekly about these things and working together on finding the best solution for everybody. We invested a lot in Jaire, and we want to make sure that if he's not going to be on our football team, helping us win games, that we get something back for that investment." So we'll see where it goes."
March 31st - Matt Schneidman Article:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6244666/2025/03/31/packers-brian-gutekunst-nfl-owners-meetings/
Schneidman notes: "Gutekunst was asked about Alexander potentially being on the team for the 2025 season and said, "It could be a possibility, absolutely. But again, I think we're in the middle of that right now," while adding he's hopeful for a resolution before next month's draft."
April 2nd - Xavier McKinney posts on Instagram a video of him and Jaire Alexander working out together.
Xavier McKinney and Jaire Alexander with an early morning offseason workout together (via McKinney’s IG) pic.twitter.com/eqWlDSIXLD
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) April 2, 2025
April 15th - Tom Silverstein: Updated Article on Jaire:
https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2025/04/15/packers-getting-interest-in-trade-for-cornerback-jaire-alexander/83089603007/
From Silverstein: "According to two league sources monitoring Alexander's situation, the Packers have received interest in a trade and remain committed to waiting for a deal to be made instead of cutting him."
"A source said the Packers appeared close to making a deal at the start of free agency, but the combination of the trade compensation and Alexander's unwillingness to cut his salary to fit the other team's salary cap have made it difficult to close a deal. There has been additional interest since the combine, but teams appear willing to wait until the Packers decide they are going to cut Alexander. Since most of the league knows that the Packers don't intend to keep Alexander, they aren't hurrying to make a deal, figuring he eventually will be cut."
April 16th - Matt Schneidman Article:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6281564/2025/04/16/green-bay-packers-jaire-alexanders-nfl-draft/
From Schneidman: "But if Alexander remains on the roster through the draft, Gutekunst might give up on trading him since any draft compensation he'd recoup would be for 2026."
April 19th - Jordan Love Discusses Jaire Alexander on Up & Adams:
"He's definitely a player we need back."
Jordan Love wants Jaire Alexander back in Green Bay. ?@heykayadams | @jordanlove pic.twitter.com/YKclozc6C0
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) April 17, 2025
Love states: "He's definitely a player we need back. That's a guy we need to have around."
April 21st - Jaire Alexander takes part in virtual offseason meetings w/ the Packers
April 21st - Brian Gutekunst on Jaire Alexander in his Pre-Draft Press Conference:
"We'll see how the draft goes and then see where we are at that point."
April 25th - Josh Jacobs Discusses Jaire Alexander on Up & Adams
Josh Jacobs just talked to Jaire Alexander...
...and all he can say is that he is one of the very best CB's in the NFL. ?@heykayadams | @iAM_JoshJacobs | @Packers pic.twitter.com/UlXrXCKRlc
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) April 25, 2025
Jacobs beings to say "Whoever…", appearing like he is going to say whoever ends up with Jaire Alexander, but quickly corrects himself.
April 26th - NFL Draft Concludes:
Seventh rounder Micah Robinson was the only cornerback selected
April 26th - Brian Gutekunst Post Draft Press Conference on Jaire:
"We'll work through that as we go, but no updates there, and he is on our roster right now and that's how we'll proceed. But we'll figure that as we go along."
Gutekunst was asked to clarify if anything has changed:
"No, I'm just saying nothing's changed." "No updates. We'll proceed as we go for right now, and we'll see how it goes."
April 26th - Tom Silverstein on if the Packers Plans to Trade Jaire Alexander Changed Post Draft:
https://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2025/04/26/has-jaire-alexander-status-with-packers-changed-post-nfl-draft/83304587007/
Per Silverstein: "A source familiar with the dealings between the Packers and Alexander said the Packers still were in the market to trade him and were waiting to see if a team might have interest after the draft. There is no plan for the Packers to bring Alexander back after deciding in February they were moving on and then shopping him to teams."
"The Packers decided after Alexander missed more than 65% of the team's defensive snaps due to injury for the third time in four years that they were going to move on. At least one team was willing to trade for Alexander, a source said, but Alexander was unwilling to restructure his contract or take a pay cut so he wouldn't be such a burden on his new team's cap."
"The Packers may have to cut Alexander and get nothing for him. Gutekunst has shown by keeping Alexander that he's determined to get something for him."
April 28th - Matt Schneidman Article:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6315146/2025/04/28/packers-nfl-draft-jaire-alexander/
Schneidman states: "Gutekunst and the Packers have to make a final decision at some point. With the draft behind them, it would appear logical for Alexander to remain on the team, but that hardly sounds inevitable when listening to the GM."
April 29th - Rob Demovsky Article:
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/44919034/source-chance-jaire-alexander-remains-packers
From Rob: "There's still a chance Jaire Alexander will play for the Packers in 2025" "What once appeared to be a certain breakup now could be headed toward a reconciliation. A source told ESPN on Tuesday that all options are still on the table: a release, trade or return. Both Alexander and the Packers had expressed frustration over the two-time All-Pro's past two seasons, during which he missed games because of injuries and a suspension."
April 30th - Albert Breer Mailbag:
https://www.si.com/nfl/steelers-waiting-for-aaron-rodgers-kirk-cousins-possibility
From Breer: "I would think, at this point, the most likely scenario is that he's back on a reduced contract that has incentives. We'll see."
May 2nd - Josina Anderson Tweet:
"I'm told there already is an understanding in place between the #Packers and CB Jaire Alexander to come to an agreement on his roster and contract situation first, prior to an arrival for the team's offseason program, per league source.
Alexander is not currently in attendance for the #Packers in-person workouts, per head coach Matt LaFleur. He reportedly participated in remote sessions last week.
The #Packers have had exploratory trade talks with other clubs involving Alexander. Releasing him is also an option.
I've spoken to at least two teams monitoring Alexander's status for quite some time."
May 2nd - Matt LaFleur Press Conference:
"To be honest with you, I don't have many updates in regards to where we are in that whole situation." "I just know we're trying to work through it."
Matt confirmed that Jaire Alexander was not present for any in-person workouts.
May 7th - Jeremy Fowler Article:
https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2025/story/_/id/45007585/key-intel-all-32-teams-2025-nfl-draft-depth-charts-buzz-team-needs-next
Fowler states: "The Packers passing on cornerback for the first six rounds seems to signify that Jaire Alexander is staying with the team, barring a unique trade offer or a contractual stalemate. The Packers and Alexander are working on a resolution that should materialize soon. A revised contract for Alexander, due $17.5 million in cash this year, to balance his injury history with his longtime status as an elite corner might be the most sensible play."
May 8th - Peter Schrager on Pat McAfree:
"I talked to Matt LaFleur during draft week and he said they're in a good place with Jaire Alexander..
This situation is in a lot better place than what has been presented in the media..
There is a place for Jaire Alexander in Green Bay"
"I talked to Matt LaFleur during draft week and he said they're in a good place with Jaire Alexander..
This situation is in a lot better place than what has been presented in the media..
There is a place for Jaire Alexander in Green Bay"@PSchrags #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/zVZJcp8bEn
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 8, 2025
May 14th - Jeff Hafley Press Conference When Asked About a Jaire Return:
"I think we'll leave that one up to see what happens rather than talk in any hypotheticals, to answer that fairly." "Whenever everything pans out and we figure out who's here, we will do the very best we can to put them in great positions and making plays." "And when I find out we'll do that."
May 14th - Rob Demovsky Article:
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45128599/nfl-green-bay-packers-jaire-alexander-nate-hobbs
Demovsky states: "Alexander's status remains in flux. Shortly after the season, it appeared both Alexander and the Packers wanted a fresh start. But when no trade offers to the Packers' liking materialized, discussions began about keeping the former two-time All-Pro who has missed more games (20) than he has played in (14) over the past two seasons."
May 15th - Packers Passing Game Coordinator Derrick Ansley on Jaire Alexander:
"We have contact every morning."
May 27th - Matt Schneidman Report:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6385119/2025/05/27/packers-restructured-contract-jaire-alexander/
Per Matt: **"**According to a source with knowledge of the situation, the Packers have proposed a restructured contract to Alexander, which tangibly demonstrates their interest in retaining the two-time All-Pro cornerback during an offseason in which they have been open to trading him."
"Alexander and his agent, John Thornton of Roc Nation, have not agreed to a restructuring yet. Alexander, 28, wants to remain in Green Bay and has two years remaining on a then-record contract extension he signed in 2022 for $21 million annually."
That is where things stand as of the morning of Wednesday, May 28th. Maybe our next update will concern a final resolution, which would be a welcome next step for Jaire, the Packers, and everyone following this meandering situation.