The Green Bay Packers have watched cornerbacks flood through the exit door this offseason and have done little to address it.
Eric Stokes, Corey Ballentine, and Robert Rochell found new homes during free agency, with Jaire Alexander presumably next. The Packers brought in Nate Hobbs, who offers inside/outside versatility, but they desperately need reinforcements in the cornerback room for depth, if nothing else.
After going all-out on offense through the opening three rounds, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst has prioritized the pass rush early on Day 3 despite doubling down that they liked their depth chart as is.
Noticeably, the Packers have avoided the cornerback position in the early rounds. It leaves them with limited options to make significant improvements to their depth chart unless, well, they just keep their All-Pro on the roster?
It still feels like a long shot, but NFL Network's Ian Rapoport had some interesting comments.
Ian Rapoport hints at possible Packers pivot on Jaire Alexander situation
Rapoport commented on the Packers' lack of cornerback moves, hinting at what it could mean for Alexander's future.
"Does that give us a hint that he's staying in Green Bay rather than being traded? Time will tell," said Rapoport.
Rapoport isn't saying Alexander will be back, but it's still notable that he is bringing up that possibility. Would he even mention it if there were zero chance? All signs have pointed toward Alexander's departure being inevitable, but Rapoport raising this possibility is intriguing, to say the least.
And, honestly, it might be the Packers' best play. His injury history is concerning and the contract isn't ideal, but Alexander is still an All-Pro when healthy. They will have a hard time finding another cornerback even close to his level.
That said, it still feels like a long shot, and the two sides would benefit from a fresh start. The only frustration is with the Packers' inability to find a suitable replacement. Hobbs was a smart signing in free agency, but if Alexander departs, he will become the team's fourth loss at cornerback this offseason.
Alexander leaving remains the likeliest outcome, but the Packers' lack of moves is becoming noteworthy.