There is one cloud remaining over the Green Bay Packers' offseason. That, of course, is the future of veteran cornerback Jaire Alexander.
The Packers have a big decision to make regarding Alexander, and time is of the essence. He's been the subject of trade talk and even touted as a cut candidate at some stage, but general manager Brian Gutekunst wasn't giving too much away when speaking to reporters at the NFL league meetings.
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst keeping all options open with Jaire Alexander
Gutekunst was unsurprisingly probed about Alexander's status with the 2025 NFL Draft on the immediate horizon. The front-office leader acknowledged that they were still going through the process with no formal conclusion as yet. He'd like it resolved before the college selection event arrives, but he also didn't rule out the prospect of the two-time Pro Bowler being part of the team's plans next season either.
"We're still working our way through that. Obviously, very, very good player for us. We have some time here to figure that out — what's best for him and for our organization. It could be a possibility [playing for the Packers in 2025], absolutely. Again, we're in the middle of that right now. I think it would be nice [resolution before the draft], but I can't say for sure. It would be helpful."Brian Gutekunst
Brian Gutekunst is not closing the door on Jaire Alexander playing for #Packers in 2025, but says it’s a situation team is working through. He says it would be nice for decision on Alexander to be resolved by draft but not necessary. Plenty of time. pic.twitter.com/0XEbsJrJRb
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) March 31, 2025
This is Gutekunst hedging his bets. He's not going to tip his hand one way or another right now. Leverage is everything in situations like this, so leaning one way isn't going to do the Packers any favors.
Alexander suffered injury problems over the last two seasons, which is the primary reason behind his uncertain status. His production when fully healthy remains solid, but that's no longer a guarantee. If the right offer comes along, it would be foolish for Gutekunst not to consider the possibility.
Outright releasing him is another option. Alexander is just 28 years old with a lot of good football left with better luck on the health front, so cutting him loose entirely is a much riskier proposition. Even so, the Packers will explore all options considering the money he's still got on his contract.
Any interested parties could potentially be playing a waiting game with Alexander. The longer Green Bay dithers on deciding his status, the better their chances of getting a good deal will be. But his previous credentials suggest an offer or two could arrive once an outcome is determined.
Gutekunst's comments about the former first-round pick being on the Week 1 roster could be a smokescreen designed to bring suitors to the forefront. It's a strategy used often around the league. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't. But the Packers hold all the cards for now.
Fans wait with bated breath to see what comes next.