The Green Bay Packers did something unprecedented in the 2025 NFL Draft — they selected a wide receiver in the first round.
Texas' Matthew Golden was taken with the No. 23 overall pick, marking the Packers’ first first-round wideout selection since 2002. The team’s early draft strategy centered on providing quarterback Jordan Love with more support. After Golden, the Packers added offensive tackle Anthony Belton at No. 54 and wide receiver Savion Williams at No. 87.
Even though Green Bay finished with the eighth-ranked scoring offense last season, their biggest question heading into 2025 lies on the defensive side of the ball — particularly surrounding All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander.
"What's next for Jaire Alexander?" CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin asked. "The Packers went all in on refining Jordan Love's weaponry... Still, Alexander is the elephant in the room on 'D' after both sides basically anticipated a split. Nate Hobbs’ addition should at least help the slot."
Hobbs, one of Green Bay’s top offseason acquisitions, signed a four-year, $48 million deal. His presence gives the team flexibility if they opt to move on from Alexander via trade or release.
NFL insider Josina Anderson reported the two sides have reached a mutual understanding regarding Alexander's status.
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"I’m told there already is an understanding in place between the Packers and CB Jaire Alexander to come to an agreement on his roster and contract situation first, prior to an arrival for the team’s offseason program, per league source," Anderson wrote. "Alexander is not currently in attendance for the Packers in-person workouts, per head coach Matt LaFleur. He reportedly participated in remote sessions last week. The Packers have had exploratory trade talks with other clubs involving Alexander. Releasing him is also an option. I’ve spoken to at least two teams monitoring Alexander’s status for quite some time.”
Alexander, 28, carries a $24.6 million cap hit in 2025. Injuries have limited him to just 14 games over the past two seasons, a factor that complicates his value both for Green Bay and potential suitors.
Among teams reportedly monitoring Alexander’s situation are the Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.
Still, Breer noted that the most likely outcome is that Alexander stays in Green Bay on a restructured deal.
"The question, to me, comes down to money,” Breer wrote. “He’s due $17.5 million this year. And, because of his recent injury history, that’s shown to be a bit rich for interested teams. Alexander, meanwhile, would rather be cut so he can pick his destination... I would think, at this point, the most likely scenario is that he’s back on a reduced contract that has incentives. We’ll see."