$84 million defensive star could leave Packers for AFC powerhouses
Context:
The Green Bay Packers, known for their consistent success in the NFL, may undergo significant changes as they consider trading their former All-Pro defensive back, Jaire Alexander. Despite his past achievements, Alexander's recent performance has been hindered by injuries, appearing in only seven games in consecutive seasons. With two years remaining on an $84 million contract, Alexander is on the trade block, attracting interest from AFC teams like the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs. The Ravens, suffering from poor pass defense, and the Chiefs, seeking a replacement for L'Jarius Sneed, are potential suitors. While losing Alexander would be challenging for the Packers, they have promising young talent in the secondary, including standout safety Xavier McKinney, to potentially fill the void left by Alexander's departure.
Dive Deeper:
Jaire Alexander, a key defensive player for the Packers, is facing potential trade or release due to recent injury struggles and performance decline, despite being an All-Pro in 2022.
The Green Bay Packers have historically succeeded with strong quarterback play, transitioning from legends like Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers to current starter Jordan Love, who recently received support with new offensive draft picks.
Alexander's trade prospects are fueled by his hefty contract and the potential interest from AFC teams like the Ravens and Chiefs, with both teams seeking to bolster their pass defense.
Baltimore Ravens are particularly interested in Alexander to address their defensive shortcomings, having ranked 31st in passing yards allowed last season, while the Chiefs view him as a replacement option following the departure of L'Jarius Sneed.
Despite the potential loss of Alexander, the Packers have depth in their secondary, highlighted by Xavier McKinney, an All-Pro safety, who could help mitigate the impact of Alexander's absence.
Alexander's potential departure is part of a broader shift within the Packers' roster, as they aim to maintain their competitive edge by integrating new talent and adjusting to changing player dynamics.
The potential trade of Jaire Alexander reflects the Packers' strategic approach to balancing financial commitments with performance expectations, ensuring sustained success in the competitive landscape of the NFL.
The Green Bay Packers might be one of the most consistently good teams in the NFL over 30 years, with more double-digit win seasons than not. A large part of that is quarterback play, as the team has gone from Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers to Jordan Love. Love still has a long way to go before reaching the levels Favre and Rodgers accomplished as players.
However, Love did get some help during the 2025 NFL Draft, where the Packers added two receivers in the Top 100 with Texas’ Matthew Golden and TCU’s Savion Williams. While those moves could lead to changes on the offensive side of the ball, there is one change on the defensive side of the ball that seems imminent.
According to Bleacher Report’s 2025 NFL Offseason Trade Block Big Board, they list Packers' former All-Pro defensive back Jaire Alexander as a player to look out for a move before the start of the season. Alexander was selected 18th overall in 2018 out of Louisville, and while he’s had some stellar performances for the Packers, it’s clear he’s on the decline.
Alexander was most recently named an All-Pro in 2022, earning Second Team All-Pro honors from the Associated Press. However, since then, he’s appeared in just seven games in back-to-back seasons, and still has two years remaining on his $84 million contract. Whether it’s a trade or a cut situation, the talented defensive back could be on his way to an AFC powerhouse.
According to Bleacher Report, the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs could be in the market for Alexander at the right price. Baltimore struggled immensely against the pass last year, ranking 31st in yards allowed, while the Chiefs could land Alexander to be their replacement after L’Jarius Sneed left last offseason.
While officially parting ways with Alexander would be tough for the Packers, given his past production, they have other young options on the roster they could look toward to fill his void. Additionally, they still have a major playmaker in the secondary, as Xavier McKinney is coming off a First Team All-Pro performance last season as a safety.
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