Packers: What new Denzel Ward deal means for Jaire Alexander

Green Bay Packers All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander will get paid in the near future.

The Packers’ first-round pick in 2018 has become one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. It’s fair to say he will have a close eye on the current cornerback market.

Denzel Ward, selected by the Cleveland Browns in the same round as Alexander, has just landed a huge contract extension.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Browns have signed Ward to a five-year deal worth $100.5 million with $71.25 million guaranteed. He becomes the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.

Want to know how much Alexander is going to get paid? Ward has just raised the bar.

Alexander will want a similar deal, and he deserves it.

Ward is a two-time Pro Bowler and has made a great start to his NFL career. But Alexander has made just as big an impact.

Alexander was a Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro in 2020.

Like Ward, it won’t be surprising if Alexander lands a new deal with the Packers this offseason. The former 18th overall pick is entering a contract year.

The Packers will want to avoid a repeat of the Davante Adams situation. Green Bay was unwilling to pay Adams what he wanted last summer and had to use the franchise tag.

That ultimately wasn’t enough. Adams wanted out and was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders.

Of course, the same situation might not play out with Alexander, but that doesn’t mean the Packers shouldn’t work to get this new deal sorted as soon as possible.

Alexander plays a premium position. He is only 25 years old. He is also one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL.

What does Denzel Ward’s deal mean for Jaire Alexander and the Packers? A lot. Alexander should get an extension in the same range.