Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst carefully worded his answer about Jaire Alexander's future when meeting with reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine, but the reality was crystal clear.
The Packers are trying to move on from their All-Pro cornerback.
Now, the team's worst-kept secret is out. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Packers "have had trade conversations" centered around Alexander.
It confirms what felt inevitable since the end of the regular season. Alexander has only played half of the Packers' regular-season games since 2021, and a fresh start is best for everyone involved. Teams in need of cornerback help should have interest. When healthy, Alexander proved he is still among the best in the league.
Packers may need to lower their expectations regarding Jaire Alexander trade
While it's the expected outcome, the Packers might need to temper expectations. Will a team part ways with a premium draft pick for a player who can't stay on the field?
Many fans have floated the idea of packaging Jaire in a blockbuster deal for Myles Garrett or Maxx Crosby. While it can't be ruled out, the Packers would likely need to include multiple premium picks in the deal. Alexander is still an excellent player, but his injury history is enough cause for concern, especially when taking on his big contract.
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Realistically, Green Bay may need to settle for a mid-to-late-round selection or some kind of creative pick swap. Perhaps a conditional pick that improves with playing time.
Trading Alexander, even for a late-round pick, is the best-case scenario for the Packers. They could make the same cap saving of $6.8 million by releasing him, but that's a dangerous game to play. Not only would Green Bay lose its former first-rounder for nothing, but it would open the door for an NFC rival to sign him.
Alexander to the Minnesota Vikings feels inevitable, right? Finding a trade partner gives Green Bay some control to prevent that.
It also places the spotlight on the cornerback position. A year ago, Gutekunst doubled and tripled down about his confidence in the cornerback room. Once they lost Alexander to injury, the lack of depth behind Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine became a major concern.
Add in that Eric Stokes and Corey Ballentine are free agents, and it feels likely the Packers may overhaul their cornerback room with the same aggressiveness they took at safety last offseason.
Fasten your seatbelt.