Jaire Alexander earned Second-Team All-ACC honors in 2016 as a sophomore at Louisville, with a team-high five interceptions and one forced fumble. However, after bursting onto the scene as a potential future first-round draft pick, Alexander battled injuries throughout much of his junior year in 2017, and unfortunately, that was a precursor to his NFL career.
On Monday, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported that Alexander will be released by the Green Bay Packers after seven years with the organization. The 18th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Alexander is a two-time Second-Team All-Pro, but he’s missed 32 games across the last four seasons, and saw the field for only 361 snaps last season.
The #Packers are releasing star CB Jaire Alexander today, sources say. pic.twitter.com/62YSryGYE4
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 9, 2025
Packers set to release former Louisville cornerback Jaire Alexander
Alexander signed a four-year, $84 million contract extension with the Packers in 2022, but has spent most of the deal battling injuries. Back and shoulder issues limited Alexander to just seven games in 2023 while a knee injury plagued his seven-game 2024 campaign.
Alexander was set to make $16 million in 2025, and the former Louisville Cardinal did not accept a proposed restructured deal back in May. So, when Packers' general manager Brian Gutenkunst couldn't find a trade partner to deal the pricey veteran, it ultimately led to his release a month later.
Despite his injury issues, Alexander should find his way back onto an NFL roster this offseason. In each of his last two healthy seasons, he was a Pro Bowler and Second-Team All-Pro. Alexander has 12 career interceptions, and since 2020 has been one of the better shut down cornerbacks in the NFL.
This could be an opportunity for Alexander to take a one-year "prove it" deal before cashing in with the final big payday of his career before turning 30, often a death knell for a defensive back's career.