NFL Surprise: Green Bay Packers Release $72 Million Pro Bowler Just Weeks Into Preseason Workouts

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Packers Part Ways With $72M Pro Bowl Cornerback Jaire Alexander in Shocking Offseason Move

In a move that sent shockwaves through the NFL community, the Green Bay Packers have reportedly released veteran cornerback Jaire Alexander, a two-time Pro Bowl selection and one of the league’s top defensive backs in recent years. The news, first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, comes just as the team gears up for mandatory minicamp, catching many fans and analysts off guard.

While the timing of the decision came as a surprise, those closely following the Packers had seen signs that the team might be ready to move on from the star defender. Alexander, once considered the cornerstone of Green Bay’s secondary, has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons, which may have contributed significantly to the team’s decision.

A Promising Career Sidetracked by Injuries

Jaire Alexander, 28, has long been regarded as one of the NFL’s elite cornerbacks. Known for his aggressive coverage, quick instincts, and ability to shut down top receivers, Alexander earned Pro Bowl honors twice during his time in Green Bay and was a key contributor on several playoff-caliber teams. His stellar play even earned him a massive four-year, $72 million contract extension in 2022, making him the highest-paid cornerback in the league at the time.

However, injuries have plagued Alexander in recent years. Over the last two regular seasons, he has appeared in just 14 games combined. In the 2024 season, he played only seven games and was sidelined for the remainder of the year after Week 10 due to a lingering shoulder issue. Despite his limited appearances, Alexander still managed to make an impact, ranking second on the team in pass breakups (7) and tying for second in interceptions (2).

Even so, availability is often the most valuable trait in the NFL, and Green Bay’s patience may have finally worn thin.

A Surprising Decision Amid Offseason Preparations

The announcement of Alexander’s release came shortly after the Packers wrapped up their final week of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) on June 5. With mandatory minicamp just around the corner, most expected the team to enter the next phase of preparations with their defensive leader still in the fold. Instead, fans were stunned to learn that the organization had decided to move on from one of its most recognizable defensive faces.

Though the news caught many off guard, it wasn’t entirely unexpected for those reading between the lines. Financially, the Packers had limited flexibility under the salary cap, and Alexander’s high cap hit, combined with his recent injury history, made him a prime candidate for a potential post-June 1 release. Releasing him now allows Green Bay to spread the cap hit over multiple seasons, giving them some much-needed breathing room.

Fan Reactions: Shock and Disbelief

The news sparked immediate reaction on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where fans voiced their disbelief and confusion.

“That’s surprising. He didn’t have a big impact, but he’s a good player,” one fan wrote, echoing the sentiments of many who still believe Alexander has plenty of good football left in him if he can stay healthy.

Another fan commented, “That’s a wild move,” expressing the shock of seeing a player of Alexander’s caliber cut loose so early in the offseason process.

For years, Alexander was seen not only as a defensive star but also as a leader in the locker room. His energy, competitiveness, and swagger were staples of Green Bay’s defense, and his presence will be difficult to replace both on and off the field.

What’s Next for Alexander and the Packers?

With his release now official, Jaire Alexander immediately becomes a free agent and will likely draw interest from multiple teams in need of a veteran cornerback. Despite the injury setbacks, his production when healthy speaks for itself, and teams looking to bolster their secondary could see him as a low-risk, high-reward option.

As for the Packers, the move signals a shift toward youth and financial restructuring. The team may now look to develop younger talent in the secondary or target a veteran free agent at a more team-friendly price. It also underscores the unpredictable nature of the NFL offseason, where even star players can find themselves without a team if the timing and economics no longer align.

Head coach Matt LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst will now have to answer tough questions about the direction of the defense moving forward. With the team coming off a playoff appearance that ended in a Wild Card loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, the Packers are clearly looking to reset and retool in hopes of deeper postseason success in 2025.

Conclusion

The release of Jaire Alexander marks the end of an era in Green Bay. Once the face of the Packers’ defense and one of the top corners in the league, Alexander now finds himself at a career crossroads. Whether this move proves to be the right call for Green Bay remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the NFL remains as ruthless as ever, even for its brightest stars.