It is never easy taking over for a living legend, but that is what Brian Gutekunst had to do when he became the Green Bay Packers general manager after the 2017 NFL season. Ted Thompson, who had drafted Aaron Rodgers and constructed a Super Bowl-winning team, transitioned to a different role in the organization as his health declined.
The first player that Gutekunst, who had been with the Packers organization for years, selected in his first NFL Draft as general manager was a young cornerback named Jaire Alexander.
And what a pick he was! In seven season with the Packers, Alexander made two Pro Bowls, was named Second Team All-Pro twice, and was considered to be one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL.
Unfortunately, though, all good things eventually comes to an end, and that is now the case with Alexander’s tenure in Green Bay.
The Green Bay Packers Have Released Jaire Alexander
Green Bay Packers, Jaire Alexander, Brian Gutekunst
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
Even as a rookie, it was clear that Alexander was a special cornerback. He continued to play at a high level throughout his initial contract, prompting Green Bay to give him an extension that made him the highest paid cornerback in the league at that time.
Unfortunately, Alexander struggled to stay on the field after signing his deal. While many fans will claim he got his money and then refused to play through injuries, it should be noted that football is a violent game and the injuries players sustain whilst playing it can have life-altering effects.
That being said, the two-time Pro Bowler appeared in just 34 of a possible 68 regular season games over the last four seasons. This includes playing in just 14 games out of a possible 34 over the last two.
In the end, despite the other perceived issues between Alexander and the organization, it was the injuries that led Gutekunst to part ways with the first player he ever drafted.
Green Bay Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst Defends Releasing Jaire Alexander
Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) intercepts a pass thrown by Tennessee Titans Will Levis (8)
Sep 22, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) intercepts a pass thrown by Tennessee Titans Will Levis (8) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Prior to releasing Alexander, the Packers tried to trade him. However, he would not restructure his contract for any interested teams, and none of them wanted to give up draft capital for an oft-injured cornerback scheduled to make $17.5 million.
Alexander also refused to restructure his contract with the Packers, which, in addition to his injury history, led to his release.
When asked on Tuesday why he did not feel keeping Alexander on his $17.5 million salary was worth the risk, Gutekunst bluntly answered, “Obviously we’ve done that the past few years and it hasn’t really worked out for us.”
Why didn’t the Packers take a gamble on Jaire Alexander staying healthy and keep him?
Brian Gutekunst: “Obviously we’ve done that the past few years and it hasn’t really worked out for us.” pic.twitter.com/r89Yq7w6Bd
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) June 10, 2025
Now the former first round pick has the chance to pick his own team, though it is not likely he will make as much as he could have if he had taken Green Bay’s restructure.
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