Now that June 1 has passed, several key roster decisions have been made across the NFL — including the Green Bay Packers' release of cornerback Jaire Alexander on Monday.
The Packers explored multiple avenues before ultimately cutting ties with the former two-time All-Pro. Early in the offseason, Green Bay gauged trade interest around the league. Later, in a final attempt to keep Alexander, the team offered him an incentive-laden deal that would have made him a free agent after the 2025 season, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.
Ultimately, neither side gained much from the breakup. The Packers will absorb dead cap money over the next two years, while Alexander walks away from $17.5 million in non-guaranteed money.
Now, the 28-year-old cornerback is free to sign with any team, and one logical fit could be the San Francisco 49ers.
“The Niners lost Charvarius Ward in free agency this offseason, and currently seem likely to start either journeyman Tre Brown or third-round pick Upton Stout opposite Deommodore Lenoir at one of their corner spots,” CBS Sports’ Jared Dubin wrote. “Bringing in another veteran — even one with injury issues — is an idea that has some merit, especially considering how much cap room the 49ers have on their hands.”
Alexander’s ability is not in question. Despite appearing in only seven games last season, he still ranked second on the Packers in pass breakups and interceptions. The concern is whether he can stay healthy on a week-to-week basis.
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“The reality is for the last four years for Jaire, it's about half of the games he's been able to play,” Packers president Mark Murphy said. “So we kind of have been used to it.”
Taking a flyer on Alexander would be a gamble for the 49ers, but given their defensive concerns, it may be one worth taking. His upside as a playmaker is clear — when he's on the field.
“Alexander’s next move will be to go somewhere on an incentive-heavy, one-year deal to reestablish his value ahead of next March,” Breer noted.
Alexander likely won’t land a long-term deal anytime soon. Staying healthy in 2025 is now the most important factor in reviving his career trajectory.