Packers to release CB Jaire Alexander on Monday

The Green Bay Packers are ending an offseason of conflict with cornerback Jaire Alexander by releasing the veteran defender on Monday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Alexander was Brian Gutekunst’s first ever draft pick and a two-time All-Pro at a premium position, but significant injuries suffered during three of the last four seasons frustrated both sides and necessitated change, either in compensation for 2025 in Green Bay or a new team for the player.

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The Packers begin a mandatory minicamp this week, likely creating a decision point for the two sides. With Alexander planning to attend, the Packers had to decide whether or not to keep him on the roster and risk an injury or release him — and the team determined a release was the better choice.

The two sides had been attempting to find a solution since the Packers’ season ended in January. The team wanted to find a trade, but nothing materialized or was finalized before or right after the draft. Alexander’s contract was a hurdle for getting a trade done.

Reconciliation would have required a reworked contract, and the Packers and Alexander’s reps couldn’t find a compromise.

Alexander was a second-team All-Pro in both 2020 and 2022. He missed 13 games in 2021 and 10 games in both 2023 and 2024. Last season, Alexander injured his knee in late October, attempted to return coming out of the bye and then missed the rest of the season. His last snaps in a Packers uniform came during a 10-snap appearance against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in November of last year.

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Alexander signed a four-year, $84 million deal in 2022. He was scheduled to have a cap hit of over $24 million in 2025. By releasing him post-June 1, the Packers will save over $17 million on the salary cap but take on over $7 million in dead money in both 2025 and 2026.

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers to release CB Jaire Alexander on Monday