Packers' Jaire Alexander Reportedly Prefers Release over Trade amid Contract Rumors

Amid contract talks with the Green Bay Packers, cornerback Jaire Alexander reportedly prefers to be released rather than traded this offseason.

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported that the Packers adjusting Alexander's contract and then trading him might not be on the table.

"Alexander, meanwhile, would rather be cut so he can pick his destination, and he might not be willing to help with a contract adjustment to facilitate a trade," Breer wrote.

Breer noted that the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs might be interested in Alexander after those teams didn't take a cornerback in the first two rounds of the draft, but Alexander's contract might deter them from trading for him.

Alexander is currently on a four-year, $84 million contract and is set to earn a base salary of $16.15 million in 2025.

That salary is somewhat pricey considering Alexander's recent injury struggles. The two-time Pro Bowler played a combined 14 games over the past two seasons. In 2024, he logged just 16 tackles while missing 10 games due to a handful of injuries. He still managed to haul in a pair of interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.

In his last healthy season in 2022, Alexander had 56 tackles, 14 passes defended and five interceptions. If teams were getting that version of Alexander, they'd likely be quick to pull the trigger on a trade, but his injuries make such a move a bit more risky.

Releasing Alexander seems like the Packers' most realistic move, which would save them some money.