On Monday, the Green Bay Packers decided saving $17.1 million was worth the cost of not having Jaire Alexander on the field in 2025. The Packers didn’t think the star cornerback’s salary was worth it for a player who only started in 14 games the last two seasons due to injury.
Green Bay reportedly offered the 2018 first-round pick a restructured contract that included a pay cut. Alexander and his agent decided they’d rather test the market, and that choice could be a problem for Jordan Love in two games this season.
Do the Minnesota Vikings make the most sense?
Green Bay Packers Jaire Alexander, Packers news
Nov 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) gestures to the fans before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Per Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, the Minnesota Vikings make the “most sense” for Alexander in free agency.
“Someone else will pounce on the defensive back, whose skills are undeniable,” Florio wrote. “Now that he’s a free agent, and given that he might have some hard feelings for the team that drafted him in 2018 and cut him on Monday, he could be inclined to join one of Green Bay’s division rivals.
“Between the Lions, Vikings, and Bears, Minnesota makes the most sense. Beyond needing a boost in the defensive backfield, having Alexander on the team means not having to worry about Alexander covering receiver Justin Jefferson.”
Jordan Love vs. Jaire Alexander would be entertaining
Green Bay Packers, Anthony Belton, Packers news
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (51) sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) in the fourth quarter during their football game Sunday, December 29, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Minnesota is not where general manager Brian Gutekunst wants Alexander to end up, and certainly not for nothing. The Vikings were wise not to give their NFC North rival any draft capital for the veteran cornerback.
Minnesota has been linked to Miami Dolphins veteran cornerback Jalen Ramsey via trade. With Alexander, 28, available, the Vikings have a chance to add a younger player to their roster to help the defense in a playoff push.
Imagine Alexander going up against Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, or Matthew Golden twice in 2025.
Jaire Alexander
Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander against the Miami Dolphins during their football game on Sunday, November 11, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin.
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