Packers: Ranking future contract extension priorities
By Jesse Fry
2. Kevin King
Jaire Alexander is going to be a star, I believe this. He has everything you need in a shutdown cornerback. So does Kevin King. The biggest difference between them is simply health. Alexander hasn’t had health concerns Kevin King has.
The good news is Alexander has another year, maybe two, before the Packers have to pony up to pay him. Alexander is entering the third year of his rookie deal and could get an extension after the season but the Packers could also wait until after the fourth year when he is in the fifth-year option of his rookie deal (2022) like they did with Clark. There are also less players of concern in that year hitting the market with Davante Adams being the only one of need.
The hard part for King is he has missed half of the games he has been eligible to play. But, there is no denying the defense is much better when he and Alexander are both in the lineup.
King’s injury history may be able to give the Packers some leverage in negotiations. His shoulder has proved bothersome during his time with the Packers. But, cornerback is another premium position in the NFL. Despite the renewed importance of running, passing is life in the NFL. And being able to defend the pass becomes next of importance.
Yes, his health is a concern but if King makes it through the year fully healthy, his price tag will only go up. So getting him done sooner is a risky proposition, but if he can stay healthy it’s a gamble that could pay off big for years to come for the Packers.