Jaire Alexander's future remains a mystery, but the NFL has provided an extra incentive for him to stick with the Green Bay Packers this offseason.
Will he stay? Will he go? It's like sitting on the most nauseating roller coaster in the world. No thrills or excitement, just all the worst parts. This never-ending drama should eventually reach its conclusion, and the most recent signs have at least provided some encouragement.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that the Packers and Alexander are "working on a resolution," and he believes he will stay in Green Bay.
The NFL stepped up and helped provide more reason for Alexander to stick around. Green Bay will close out the regular season at U.S. Bank Stadium against the Minnesota Vikings, and there's every chance the two teams will be fighting for playoff seeding.
Alexander would get the chance to shut down Justin Jefferson, prove he's still an All-Pro cornerback, and send the Vikings packing.
Jaire Alexander return could set the stage for thrilling Week 18 showdown vs. Vikings
The Packers must overcome a grueling final stretch of the season, ending in Minnesota. The NFC North promises to remain a highly competitive division, especially if the Chicago Bears can finally translate offseason wins into actual football games.
Alexander's rivalry with the Vikings' wide receiver dates back years, but they haven't gone head-to-head since he famously mocked Jefferson's griddy celebration in 2023.
When they have gone one-on-one, Alexander typically wins. Per Next Gen Stats, they've only matched on 23 coverage snaps in their careers, with Alexander allowing just one catch on five targets for 12 yards.
Alexander has battled injuries in recent years and has missed the Packers' past three games against the Vikings.
His future with the team remains uncertain, but everything could be on the line in Week 18. Playoff seeding? Maybe. And if the NFC North is competitive as expected, maybe a playoff berth will rest on the result of this game. That's more than enough reason for Alexander to stick around.
The All-Pro cornerback is at his best when he's in a heated battle against a star wide receiver. He proved that when he last met Jefferson.
A chance to take down the Vikings should convince Alexander to stick around.