Green Bay is buzzing with NFL news today as the Packers have officially announced the release of veteran cornerback Jaire Alexander. The announcement came on Monday and marks the end of a long saga that has kept fans and analysts on their toes for months. According to reports, this decision was anticipated following a series of talks that didn’t yield the desired results from both sides.

The Packers’ general manager, Brian Gutekunst, expressed his gratitude towards Alexander in a statement, saying, “In his seven seasons with the Packers, Jaire established himself as one of the premier players in the NFL at one of the game’s most challenging positions. His contributions were felt on and off the field, and he will be missed.” With Alexander declining a pay reduction to stay in Green Bay, the team decided to move forward as they kick off their mandatory minicamp.

A two-time Pro Bowler, Alexander is just 28 years old but has struggled with injuries over the last two seasons, missing a total of 14 games and the entire second half of the 2024 season. Packers’ president Mark Murphy emphasized that availability played a significant role in the decision, stating, “He’s been a great player for us… unfortunately just injured a lot.” The Packers had hoped to bring Alexander back, but the culmination of his injuries led to this release.

Although Alexander was expected to earn a hefty $16.15 million this season, his injury history means he’s likely to sign a new deal for significantly less with a new team. The Packers now pivot to their remaining cornerbacks, including Keisean Nixon, Nate Hobbs, and Carrington Valentine, to fill the void left by their former star player.

With both hope and uncertainty lingering in Green Bay, fans wonder what direction the team will take as they continue to develop their defense without Alexander. Meanwhile, the league keeps moving, with other teams also making significant roster changes as the season approaches.