After months upon months of speculation and rumors and theories and everything in between, the Green Bay Packers have finally made a decision on Jaire Alexander, opting to release the two-time Pro Bowl cornerback after seven seasons.
From purely a football perspective, the Packers are a lesser team, as they didn't do much during the offseason to address the glaring issues they have at the position. And despite his health issues in recent years, Alexander is undoubtedly one of the best corners in the league—when he actually takes the field, that is.
But the fact of the matter is that Alexander simply became too big of a liability, missing 34 of a possible 68 regular-season games over the past four seasons due to various injuries. And for a guy averaging $21 million per year, that's obviously not what you want to see.
The good news in all of this is that with Brian Gutekunst releasing his first-ever draft pick after June 1, the Packers have added more than $17 million to their 2025 salary cap number, although they will take dead cap hits in excess of $7 million both this year and next.
Prior to Alexander's release, Green Bay still had $28,939,154 in available cap space, according to Over The Cap, which ranked 12th in the NFL.
However, in saving $17,043,182 with this post-June 1 release, the Packers' figure is now $45,982,336, vaulting them up into third behind only the New England Patriots ($60,435,177) and the San Francisco 49ers ($46,573,145).
There are several cornerbacks still on the market for the Packers to sign with this extra cash
With Alexander now out of the picture, Matt LaFleur obviously has to fill that slot on the outside opposite Keisean Nixon. And for the time being, one would think Carrington Valentine would simply slide up a spot on the depth chart.
Recent acquisition Nate Hobbs could be an option as well, but it's no secret that he performs better when working the slot.
With plenty of money still available to spend, Green Bay would obviously be wise to use some of it to sign another cornerback. And there are several solid options still available in free agency, a list that includes Asante Samuel Jr., Stephon Gilmore, and, yes, former Packer Rasul Douglas, all of whom would be far cheaper than Alexander.
There could also be a very intriguing trade option on the table with the Miami Dolphins seemingly ready to part ways with seven-time Pro Bowler Jalen Ramsey.
There are players out there who can help this team improve, and the Packers have the cash to make something happen. And as just as Gutekunst pulled the trigger on Jaire Alexander's release, it's time for him to do so yet again to bring in his replacement.