This week, the mandatory minicamp gets underway for NFL teams, and Monday morning started with a bang. Multiple outlets reported that the Packers were releasing standout cornerback Jaire Alexander.
Alexander and the Packers have been in communication all offseason, trying to find a solution either involving a restructured contract or a trade. However, that came to an end this morning when Green Bay decided to release their No. 1 cornerback and save over $17 million in cap space for 2025.
With that, the Packers now have about $46 million in cap space available, which is the third most in the NFL.
The Dolphins are also expected to cut ties with their No. 1 cornerback, Jalen Ramsey. It's been reported that the two sides have mutually agreed to find a trade partner, and Ramsey will not be participating in team activities until the situation concludes itself.
Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) reacts after intercepting a pass during the first quarter of the wild card playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, January 14, 2024 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) reacts after intercepting a pass during the first quarter of the wild card playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, January 14, 2024 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
© Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
With both teams moving on from their standout corners, it leaves a hole in both secondaries.
Could the Dolphins decide to fill that hole with the former Packers' Pro-Bowler?
Unlike Ramsey, Alexander was released, so he will now negotiate a new contract with teams as a free agent. Therefore, his previous contract has no control over where he goes or how much he gets paid.
That might lower his price tag, as Alexander has had trouble staying healthy the last few years. The former Packers cornerback only played one full season in the previous four years.
In 2022, Alexander played all 16 games, recorded a career-high five interceptions, and collected 14 passes defended, which earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl. However, in 2021, 2023, and 2024, Alexander played in just 18 games combined, missing over half of the season in each of the three years.
Alexander is only 28 years old, but the injury concern could lower his price tag as he becomes a free agent.
Ramsey and Alexander's current contracts before Alexander's release were somewhat similar in terms of their average salary, with Ramsey making about $3 million more per year.
The Dolphins have about $18.5 million in cap space for 2025, which is the eighth most in the NFL. If they trade Ramsey, it would save an additional $5.9 million of cap space.
Miami will have an obvious hole at the No. 1 cornerback spot with Ramsey gone, and the Dolphins have guys competing to take on that role. But, bringing in Alexander could fix the issue very quickly and bolster a secondary that already has an elite defensive front.