There have been numerous reports over the past few months about the Green Bay Packers and Jaire Alexander. The star cornerback has reportedly been on the trading block, but the team has failed to move him. Alexander has struggled with injuries over the past few years and has a large contract. Green Bay doesn’t want to pay for a player who isn’t on the field, and Alexander wants to make sure he is protected for the second half of his career. As the offseason wears on, many have wondered if the former first-round pick will end up staying. One NFL analyst provided a major update on the situation in a Sunday mailbag.
Update On Green Bay Packers CB Jaire Alexander
The hang-up is the contract. The Green Bay Packers approached Jaire Alexander about a pay cut. He refused, likely hoping the team would release him. Then, he would be able to negotiate with any team for a new deal. However, the Packers decided to keep him on the roster, leading to an impasse. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer was asked about the situation and believes that the two sides will have to come to a resolution at this point in the offseason.
“I’d say yes—at this point, teams have done the bulk of their roster building, and have spent to their cash and cap budgets, and are moving forward with their groups. Maybe an injury somewhere creates some urgency, but as it stands, I think Alexander is stuck, and may have to play ball with the Packers.
He’s due to make $17.5 million. Green Bay wanted him to take a pay cut earlier in the season. He refused, and hoped they’d cut him so he could find a new home unencumbered. Instead, the Packers sat on his rights. Now there’s a decision to make. So is a compromise coming? My guess would be that it could arrive in the form of a contract revision that moves some money into per-game roster bonuses, protecting the team against injury, with a chance to make something more than the $17.5 million if he stays healthy and plays at a really high level.”
At this point in the offseason, teams don’t have the cap space to spend big money. Most of the signings are short-term, one-year contracts that keep flexibility for the team and an opportunity for the player.
What Should The Team Do?
A compromise is likely the best option. While he has only appeared in 14 games over the past two seasons, he has put up good stats in those games. Over the past two years, Jaire Alexander has 12 passes defended, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. When on the field, he can still provide high-quality coverage.
For the Green Bay Packers, having a veteran in the secondary would be great for this young group. Many of the first and second-year players have shown some promise, but depth in the secondary is never a bad thing.
Final Thoughts
More than likely, this will come to a compromise. The Green Bay Packers are trying to win now with their young roster. Breer does point out that an injury could change things, but at this point, the two sides are stuck with each other.
