During the 2025 NFL offseason, the Green Bay Packers have kept a relatively quiet approach, avoiding major roster changes or high-profile signings. With most of their core players set to return, the team seems to be relying on stability. Still, there’s growing uncertainty around the future of one of their star defenders—cornerback Jaire Alexander.
Since the end of last season, Alexander has been the subject of trade speculation. Sources indicate that the Packers have explored trade opportunities involving the two-time Pro Bowler, though no deals have materialized. Several factors appear to be influencing the lack of movement, including concerns that may not be getting enough attention—namely, Alexander’s age and injury track record.
Now 28 and turning 29 in February, Alexander is nearing an age where cornerbacks—who rely heavily on agility and speed—often begin to decline. While not necessarily past his prime, his durability is a concern, especially given his frequent absences due to injuries.
Alexander’s health issues are well-documented. In three of the last four seasons, he’s played in seven or fewer games, primarily due to knee and shoulder problems. This recurring unavailability raises red flags for potential trade partners. In the NFL, a player’s ability to stay on the field is just as crucial as their skill level.
Adding to the complexity is Alexander’s hefty contract. He’s scheduled to make $24 million in 2025 and $27 million in 2026. For teams weighing a trade, that’s a major financial commitment, especially for a veteran cornerback with an inconsistent injury history. Salary cap constraints and the appeal of younger, more affordable talent make moving Alexander a challenging proposition.
Looking around the league, the current crop of elite cornerbacks is notably younger and healthier than Alexander. Players such as Sauce Gardner (24), Patrick Surtain II (24), Trent McDuffie (24), and Jaylon Johnson (25) are not only playing at a high level but also have youth on their side. Jalen Ramsey, who is closer in age to Alexander at 30 years old, stands as an exception; however, Ramsey has managed to avoid frequent injury setbacks, giving him greater trade value and a more favorable long-term outlook.
Unfortunately for Alexander, the comparison does not work in his favor. Unlike Ramsey, Alexander’s injuries have been more than occasional setbacks—they’ve significantly reduced his on-field presence. As a result, teams are understandably hesitant to part with multiple assets in exchange for a player with a risky health profile and a hefty price tag. The modern NFL places a premium on younger, durable players who can be building blocks for the future. That is a mold Alexander no longer fits quite as well.
This predicament has left Green Bay in a difficult position. The team might be inclined to move Alexander to free up cap space and possibly reallocate resources elsewhere, but the trade market has yet to present a suitable suitor. There’s also the issue of value: The Packers likely want a return that reflects Alexander’s talent and impact when healthy, but other franchises are wary of the baggage—namely, his age, injuries, and contract.
One possible path forward could involve reworking Alexander’s deal to make him more appealing to potential trade partners. By converting some of his salary into performance-based incentives or offering to cover a portion of his 2025 compensation, the Packers could increase interest and facilitate a trade. Alternatively, the team could choose to retain him for another year in hopes of a bounce-back season that boosts his market value.
Another consideration is the locker room dynamic. Alexander is not just any player; he’s been a vocal leader and one of the faces of the Packers’ defense. Trading him would have implications beyond the field. It could affect team morale, shift the defensive identity, and alter the mentorship dynamic for younger players in the secondary. All of these factors must be weighed carefully by the Packers’ front office.
It’s also important to consider the current state of the Packers’ secondary. If the team parts ways with Alexander, they will need to ensure that adequate depth and talent remain in the defensive backfield. While promising players exist on the roster, none have proven themselves to be capable of replacing Alexander’s production at his peak. That leaves another potential hole to fill—either through the draft or free agency.
As the offseason continues, the situation surrounding Jaire Alexander remains one of the most intriguing storylines for the Packers. It’s a complex equation involving age, health, finances, and team culture. While nothing has moved on the trade front so far, that could change quickly if circumstances shift—such as an injury elsewhere in the league, a team becoming desperate for help in the secondary, or a reevaluation of internal needs by Green Bay.
Until then, speculation will continue to swirl. Packers fans, analysts, and NFL insiders alike will be watching closely to see how this saga unfolds. Whether Alexander stays in Green Bay for the long haul, becomes a trade chip, or lands somewhere else via a restructured deal, his future will undoubtedly have significant ramifications for both the team and the league at large.
In summary, Jaire Alexander’s uncertain status encapsulates the challenges NFL teams face when trying to balance talent, health, and financial constraints. He remains a highly skilled player, but questions surrounding his durability and cost have cast a shadow over what once seemed like an untouchable tenure in Green Bay. What the future holds for him—and how the Packers navigate this pivotal decision—will be among the defining storylines of their 2025 offseason.