The Green Bay Packers enter the 2024 season with one of the most talented secondaries in the NFL, featuring All-Pro safety Xavier McKinney, who demonstrated his elite skills last year. Rookie defensive backs Evan Williams and Javon Bullard have also contributed significantly, with Williams showing a veteran’s composure when on the field. Despite this depth, the future of star cornerback Jaire Alexander remains unresolved, casting a shadow over the secondary’s outlook.
Trade Rumors and Contract Talks Surround Alexander
Green Bay attempted to strengthen their cornerback group by signing Nate Hobbs in free agency, but questions remain about Alexander’s tenure. In February, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport revealed that the Packers were open to trade offers for the two-time All-Pro, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding his status. More recently, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, Green Bay presented Alexander with a restructured contract proposal, yet both parties have not reached an agreement. The situation remains fluid as the team looks to balance Alexander’s cap hit with roster needs heading into future seasons.
McKinney Shares Personal Perspective on Alexander’s Situation
During the first week of organized team activities, safety Xavier McKinney spoke candidly about Alexander’s uncertain future with the Packers. He emphasized the desire among teammates to keep Alexander on the roster:
We would all like him back,
—Xavier McKinney, Packers Safety
McKinney also described his personal bond with Alexander, underscoring their regular communication despite the contract impasse:
I talk to him every day, pretty much. Just trying to stay connected with him,
At the end of the day, I’m going to be behind him regardless of the situation going on. We’ve developed a relationship good enough off the field that I’m just like, ‘Brah, I just want what’s best for you and I’mma be there regardless,’ so I’ve been vocal about that with him.
—Xavier McKinney, Packers Safety
Earlier this offseason, McKinney posted a video on Instagram showing them finishing a workout together, which sparked speculation about Alexander’s commitment to the Packers. However, it appears their time training was more about friendship and shared effort than a statement about future plans.
Alexander’s Impact and Contract Challenges
Jaire Alexander has struggled with availability, missing 34 of Green Bay’s past 68 games. Despite that, he remains one of the team‘s most productive and highly paid cornerbacks, holding the third-largest cap hit for 2025. Last season, Alexander maintained a solid performance with opponents completing only 56% of passes against him and registering the lowest passer rating among Packers cornerbacks. If he stays in Green Bay, it is likely to be under a contract more favorable to the team, reflecting both his injury history and salary cap concerns.
Why Alexander’s Return Matters for Green Bay’s Defense
Keeping Alexander in Green Bay would greatly benefit the Packers’ defense, making the secondary one of the league’s best when paired with McKinney’s All-Pro caliber play. His experience and skill set would also support the growth of younger talents like Evan Williams and Javon Bullard, who could learn from his presence on and off the field. For the Packers, retaining a healthy and motivated Jaire Alexander could be key to sustaining defensive stability and overall team success in the coming years.