Cards in the Pros: Jaire Alexander Officially Signs with the Green Bay Packers

Former Louisville football star cornerback Jaire Alexander has signed his rookie contract, and is officially a member of the Green Bay Packers.

After moving out of their original 14th pick in the 2018 NFL Draft’s first round, the Green Bay Packers moved back up to the 18th overall selection, which they used to select former Louisville football superstar Jaire Alexander.

In my opinion there wasn’t a better fit between a team and a player in the first round than that of the Green Bay Packers and Jaire Alexander. The Packers have had one of the worst secondary’s in the NFL over the last two seasons, mostly due to injuries, and Jaire Alexander is one of the most NFL ready players in the entire draft.

Even with drafting a second corner in the 2nd round of the draft, Alexander figures to be a starting corner for the Packers from day one. But in order to do that, the Packers and Alexander had some housekeeping to take care of, which included getting the 21 year old officially under contract.

According to Overthecap.com, the Packers will be on the hook for $12,050,734 as part of the NFL’s rookie wage scale. They will also pay Alexander a signing bonus of $6,844,168. DAMN!

Here’s the full contract breakdown:

Year 1 = $2,191,042

Year 2 = $2,738.803

Year 3 = $3,286,564

Year 4 = $3,834,325

Our Reaction:

It is was incredible to watch Jaire Alexander go from an unheralded three star recruit, who at one time was committed to low D1 mid-major Charlotte, turn into one of the best corners in all of college football. His swag, trash-talking, and toughness was contagious to the Cardinals defense over his three seasons on campus, and produced one of the most memorable gifs in program history.

The swag and skill that Jaire brought to the defense was second to none, and I completely expect that to translate to the NFL. Alexander burst onto the scene during his sophomore campaign, in which he finished with five interceptions (second in the ACC) and nine passes defended.

Alexander looked to build on that this past season as a junior, but an unfortunate injury knocked him out for the next four games. When he finally made it onto the field, Louisville’s defense went from one of the ACC’s worst to a lock down unit.

While the injuries may be a concern, Alexander has the skill and mental fortitude to excel in the NFL as a starting cornerback. While there are plenty of talented players who could win the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Alexander in the running for that award.

The Packers are expected to pair Alexander with second round draft pick Josh Jackson, veteran Quentin Rollins, and Tramon Williams. For more on Alexander’s rookie check out our recent Q&A with Dairyland Express Site Expert Brian Sampson!

Next: 2019 QB Jaden Johnson Preaching the Cardinal Gospel to UofL Targets

Congrats Jaire!