Jaire Alexander and the Green Bay Packers had been together for several seasons, but in June, the organization made the surprising decision to cut ties with the two-time All-Pro cornerback. Many assumed the Packers would work out a trade to get value in return for Alexander—but that never materialized. Instead, GM Brian Gutekunst met with Alexander for one final attempt at a restructured deal before ultimately releasing him.
“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,” Packers reporter Mike Clemens wrote.
While Alexander stayed silent at the time, his father quickly addressed the situation after the release, criticizing the Packers for offering no guaranteed money in the proposed restructured deal.
“To not have any guarantees in there was where we had the issue. It wasn’t actually the dollar amount, it was the no guaranteed money,” his father said. “It’s kind of insulting to come to a two-time All-Pro, and somebody who gave blood, sweat, and tears to you, and to not have any guarantees.”
Following his release, Alexander reunited with his former college teammate by signing with the Baltimore Ravens, though he took a significant pay cut to do so. After some time, Alexander finally shared his message for Packers fans.
“Looking back to Green Bay, I made a lot of long-lasting relationships there. I’ve got nothing but love for the city. I think I just want to move forward and how I can excel here,” Alexander said.
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Green Bay was all Alexander had known since the start of his NFL career. Now, he begins a new chapter in Baltimore. Despite his father’s frustration and the rocky ending, Alexander made it clear that his love for the people of Green Bay remains. He didn’t want to leave the Packers organization—but in the end, he had to do what was best for his future.
