Just as the signs seemingly pointed to Jaire Alexander returning, the Green Bay Packers zigged when everyone expected them to zag by releasing their former All-Pro cornerback.
It provided a deflating conclusion to a frustrating offseason drama. Speaking about the decision at the Packers' mandatory minicamp, general manager Brian Gutekunst provided an honest answer.
"Over the last four years, there's been a lot of games missed," Gutekunst said, per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. "I just think for what that amount of money is, I think that's a lot to pay for a guy who hasn't been able to get on the field. Again, it's not his fault. It's just something that kind of transpired, so we just kind of were looking for something different."
Gutekunst isn't wrong. Alexander has missed 34 of the Packers' previous 68 games, exactly half, over the past four seasons. It's tough to justify his soaring cap hits with that lack of availability.
Could the Packers have taken the risk and hoped their star cornerback would avoid injury this season?
"Obviously we've done that the past few years and it hasn't really worked out for us," Gutekunst said.
Yikes. Again, Gutekunst isn't telling any lies, but it's a surprisingly blunt answer.
However, while the Packers' general manager is correct, it also begs the question: Why didn't he better prepare for this moment?
Brian Gutekunst is right, but Packers' failure to replace Jaire Alexander will haunt them
Sure, many will say the Packers have already had to adjust without Alexander. His absence is nothing new. But that's the problem. Last season proved why this team needed more cornerback help. Adding Nate Hobbs in free agency was a solid step, but the glaring lack of moves to find a game-changing boundary corner is even more noticeable now.
Hobbs is at his best in the slot, but he may now be forced to play far more outside snaps alongside Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine. It's a fine starting trio, but this group won't strike fear into opposing wide receivers.
And, no, moving wide receiver Bo Melton to cornerback isn't the solution (although the decision makes sense).
Packers fans saw this coming like a freight train barreling down the tracks. They wanted the team to be proactive, not reactive.
Gutekunst's honest comments prove he understood the Alexander problem. He just didn't do enough to fix it.