Chiefs-Packers trade idea would bring $84 million superstar to Kansas City
Context:
The Kansas City Chiefs are considering acquiring Jaire Alexander from the Green Bay Packers, who are uncertain about his future with the team beyond 2025. Alexander's contract, signed in 2022, is substantial, with a cap hit of $24 million this season and $27 million the next, making financial considerations crucial in any trade or release decision. Despite being one of the top corners in the league, his history of injuries poses a risk, having played only 34 games since 2021. The Packers and Alexander's representatives are in discussions about potential resolutions that could include him staying with the team, being traded, or released. If traded, potential suitors like the Chiefs, 49ers, Rams, and Steelers are in need of cornerbacks, and acquiring Alexander could significantly bolster their defenses.
Dive Deeper:
Jaire Alexander's future with the Green Bay Packers is uncertain as discussions continue about whether he will remain with the team in 2025. His situation has been a significant topic during the offseason due to his high-profile status and recent contract terms.
Alexander signed an $84 million contract in 2022, which includes a $24 million cap hit this season and $27 million next season, making financial negotiations a pivotal part of any trade or release decision. This large financial commitment from any potential team must be weighed against his performance and injury history.
Despite his proven capabilities as a two-time Second-Team All-Pro, Alexander's injury issues are a concern. He has played only 34 games since 2021, which raises questions about his long-term reliability and durability in high-stakes matches.
The Packers are exploring various options, including reconciling with Alexander, releasing him, or trading him to another team. This flexibility indicates that the decision-making process is still ongoing and subject to change based on negotiations and team strategies.
The Kansas City Chiefs, among other teams, are interested in Alexander if he becomes available. His addition could strengthen their secondary, particularly after their recent Super Bowl loss, and help in their quest to return to championship contention.
Other potential teams like the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, and Pittsburgh Steelers are also identified as possible trade destinations. These teams have needs in the cornerback position and did not address these needs in the first two rounds of the draft, making Alexander an appealing option.
Trade negotiations and decisions regarding Alexander's future are likely to be influenced significantly by his ability to stay injury-free and perform at a high level, as well as the financial implications for any team that might acquire him.
The Green Bay Packers are trying to figure out whether or not Jaire Alexander will be playing for them in 2025. The Kansas City Chiefs could be a landing spot for him in a trade.
Alexander's future has been a hot topic this offseason. During the team's locker cleanout, he declined to speak to the media, citing that he may not even be on the team next season, according to NBC's Kelly Hallinan. ESPN's Rob Demovsky reported that Alexander will likely not be on the Packers in 2025, but a new report reveals that the two sides are now working toward reconciliation.
"According to a source, the Packers and Jaire Alexander continue to talk about a possible resolution, which could include a reconciliation to where Alexander plays for the Packers in 2025 after all," wrote Demovsky on X. "All options are still on the table: release, trade or return."
Clearly, the Packers could still look to move on from the two-time Pro Bowler. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer suggested that the Chiefs, among other teams, could be in play if he is traded.
"I could throw the San Francisco 49ers, (Los Angeles) Rams, (Pittsburgh) Steelers and Chiefs out there as teams that entered the draft with needs at the position, and didn’t take corners in the first two rounds of the draft," Breer said of potential landing spots for Alexander in trade. "The question, to me, comes down to money."
Alexander signed a four-year, $84 million deal in 2022. He has a $24 million cap hit this season and a $27 million cap hit next year. It's likely that if the two sides do not come to an agreement of some kind, he could simply get released and sign anywhere. When healthy, he is one of the best corners in the league. However, he has struggled with injuries.
He has played in just 34 games since 2021. Trading for him does come with risk, but the Chiefs could use a player like him in their secondary. He is a two-time Second-Team All-Pro and could help the Chiefs avenge their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl, ending their three-peat attempt.
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