BREAKING: Packers Urged to Make Daunting $17.1 Million Decision Before Camp

   

The Green Bay Packers have been locked in a stalemate with All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander, and the resolution still feels up in the air with training camp just over one month away.

There have been multiple reports that the Packers have offered Alexander a restructured deal, but at least so far, Alexander hasn’t made any overtures about putting pen to paper or arriving to take part in OTAs or Green Bay’s upcoming mandatory minicamp.

When mandatory minicamp begins, we’ll get a clearer picture on where things stand between Alexander and the team. However, one analyst suggests it is time for general manager Brian Gutekunst and the Packers to move on.

Green Bay Packers urged to Cut Jaire Alexander

Green Bay Packers, Jaire Alexander
Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander does
The Griddy after breaking up a pass intended for Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) on Sunday, January 1, 2023, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Over at Bleacher Report, analyst Alex Kay writes that cutting Alexander is the one move that the Packers should make this June.

“While the Packers would have structured any trade agreement,” Kay writes for B/R. “To occur after June 1 (giving the team $17 million in instant cap relief against a $7.5 million dead money hit, rather than reversing those figures in a pre-June 1 move), the team could not find a taker for the talented but injury-prone defensive back.

 

“Green Bay was also facing the same $17.1 million dead money/$7.5 million savings split if it cut Alexander before June, but it now has the option to outright release him for far more significant savings. This immediate relief frees up more cash to spend on free agents ahead of training camp.”

If the Packers don’t believe that Alexander can stay fully healthy, or that he is the same player capable of playing at a high level that he has been in years past, it would make some sense to cut ties, and look to use the $17.1 million in cap space to fortify other needs and plug other holes across the roster.

Jaire Alexander
Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander against the Miami Dolphins during their football game on Sunday, November 11, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin.