Jaire Alexander’s time in Green Bay came to a surprising end this week, as the Packers officially released the two-time All-Pro cornerback. Once regarded as one of the NFL’s premier lockdown defenders, Alexander’s final years in Titletown were marred by injuries, inconsistencies, and off-field frustrations.
Despite missing 10 games in each of the last two seasons, Alexander still carries value across the league. Besides at first seeking to trade the cornerback, the Packers themselves offered Alexander a reduced, incentive-laden deal to keep him in-house, but the veteran declined, opting instead to test the open market, according to SI’s Albert Breer.
Leaving Alexander now with open options, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio believes the Packers worst fears could come true and that he could end up back in the NFC North.
“Between the Lions, Vikings, and Bears, Minnesota makes the most sense,” Florio wrote. “Beyond needing a boost in the defensive backfield, having Alexander on the team means not having to worry about Alexander covering receiver Justin Jefferson.”
The Jefferson-Alexander rivalry is well-documented. In their last meeting back in Week 17 of the 2022 season, Alexander held the All-Pro receiver to a single catch for 15 yards — and famously mocked him with his own Griddy dance. Alexander missed both matchups against the Vikings in 2024 due to injury.
Now, Minnesota’s secondary could be one key piece away. As Florio pointed out, “The projected Vikings’ starters on the outside are Isaiah Rodgers Jr. and Mekhi Blackmon. Byron Murphy Jr. is the starting slot corner. Alexander, when healthy, is better than any of them.”
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Minnesota could now be a logical next stop for Alexander — especially if he is willing to take a one-year, prove-it deal to reestablish his value.
While a long-term contract is more than likely off the table for now, the Vikings could be the perfect short-term solution for both sides — and, perhaps, finally put an end to Jefferson’s Alexander problem by making him a teammate.
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