The Green Bay Packers have essentially begun a new era on defense by parting ways with veteran cornerback Jaire Alexander after the two sides failed to reach a new contract agreement they had been working toward. While there was hope of finding a middle ground, it ultimately didn’t come together.
“On the contract front, the Packers could want a revised deal that allows Alexander -- who has missed at least 10 games in three of the last four seasons -- to earn his full salary if he's healthy and available in 2025 but protects the team in case the injuries continue,” Packers Wire’s Zach Kruse wrote.
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst explained why a new deal couldn’t be worked out, despite Alexander’s desire to remain in Green Bay.
“Packers GM Brian Gutekunst met in person with CB Jaire Alexander on Sunday one last time, presumably giving him one last chance to restructure/reduce his contract and when he refused, Alexander was released from the team the next morning. Jaire has yet to comment this offseason,” wrote Packers reporter Mike Clemens.
The Packers might not be finished making changes on the defensive side—or even subtracting talent. A trade proposal from Last Word on Sports’ Anthony Palacios suggests that former first-round pick Lukas Van Ness could be on his way to New Orleans.
“Since the New Orleans Saints will likely be without an adequate quarterback this upcoming season, the team may have to rely on the defense to make plays. Between Cameron Jordan and Khalen Saunders, the Saints need some stability in their pass-rushing unit. They’re getting older in that department with Jordan and linebacker DeMario Davis, so they could continue building talent in their room. The Packers might avoid sending Van Ness to an NFC team, but the fit is there, as Bryan Breese emerging as a starting defensive end seems unlikely. Van Ness isn’t going to make much of an impact if he lands in New Orleans, but they need some new life in the unit to give the Saints a boost to become a potential high-caliber defense,” Palacios wrote.
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Van Ness, who has struggled to carve out a consistent role in Green Bay, could benefit from a fresh start. A change of scenery might be exactly what he needs to reboot his career.