### Packers Part Ways with Star Cornerback Jaire Alexander After Seven Seasons The Green Bay Packers have officially released Jaire Alexander, a two-time Pro Bowl cornerback, marking the end of a significant chapter in the team's defensive history. Drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Alexander quickly established himself as a key player for the Packers, earning accolades for his performance on the field. However, injuries have plagued him in recent years, limiting his contributions and ultimately leading to this difficult decision by the franchise. The Packers expressed their gratitude for Alexander's impact both on and off the field, acknowledging his role in the community and the locker room during his tenure with the team [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/green_bay_packers_send_farewell_message_to_jaire_alexander_after_releasing_him/s1_17068_42310996]. ### Breakdown of the Release Decision 1. **Injury History**: Alexander has struggled with injuries, playing only 14 games over the past two seasons due to shoulder and knee issues, which raised concerns about his long-term viability as a top cornerback [https://www.forbes.com/sites/robreischel/2025/06/09/packers-will-release-cb-jaire-alexander]. 2. **Contract Negotiations**: The Packers attempted to restructure Alexander's contract to alleviate the financial burden, but negotiations fell through. He was set to carry a significant cap hit of $24.6 million for the 2025 season [https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/packers-cut-jaire-alexander]. 3. **Trade Attempts**: Prior to the release, the Packers explored trade options for Alexander but were unable to find a suitable partner, leading them to the decision to release him outright [https://www.clutchpoints.com/nfl/green-bay-packers/packers-news-green-bay-final-jaire-alexander-decision-trade-rumors]. 4. **Legacy and Impact**: Despite the challenges, Alexander's legacy as one of the league's top cornerbacks remains intact. His ability to shut down elite receivers and make game-changing plays was crucial to the Packers' success during his healthy seasons [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/packers_release_cb_jaire_alexander_cowboys_should_make_the_call/s1_17100_42304391]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Injury Statistics**: Alexander played only 7 games in each of the last two seasons, significantly impacting his performance and availability [https://www.newsday.com/sports/football/green-bay-packers-t96561]. - **Contract Details**: He had two years remaining on a four-year, $84 million extension signed in 2022, with a base salary of $16.15 million for 2025 [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/packers_make_decision_on_jaire_alexanders_future/s1_127_42303425]. - **Pro Bowl Selections**: Alexander was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2020 and 2022, showcasing his talent when healthy [https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45478431/packers-plan-release-cb-jaire-alexander-source-says]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter for Both Alexander and the Packers In summary, the Green Bay Packers' decision to release Jaire Alexander reflects a combination of injury concerns, financial considerations, and unsuccessful trade negotiations. 1. **Injury Issues**: Alexander's inability to stay healthy has been a significant factor in the team's decision-making process. 2. **Financial Constraints**: The high cap hit associated with his contract made it challenging for the Packers to retain him. 3. **Legacy**: Despite the release, Alexander's contributions to the team and his status as a top cornerback will be remembered fondly by fans and teammates alike. As Alexander enters free agency, he will likely attract interest from several teams looking to bolster their defensive backfield, while the Packers will need to reassess their cornerback situation moving forward [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/jaire-alexander-landing-spots-steelers-133218179.html].