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NFL, American Football Herren, USA NFC Wild Card Round-Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles Jan 12, 2025 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love 10 on the field after loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Philadelphia Lincoln Financial Field Pennsylvania USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xEricxHartlinex 20250112_eh_se7_01507
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via Imago
NFL, American Football Herren, USA NFC Wild Card Round-Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles Jan 12, 2025 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love 10 on the field after loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Philadelphia Lincoln Financial Field Pennsylvania USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xEricxHartlinex 20250112_eh_se7_01507
When the Packers started the 2024 season, it was expected that they would be challenging in the NFC. While they racked up 11 wins, which could have won other divisions in the league, they finished only third in the NFC North. Yes, they were up against one of the best teams in the division and played some really potent offenses, but their injuries did little to help them. Jordan Love suffered three different injuries, Jordan Morgan, the team’s first-round pick, Jordan Morgan, the team’s first-round pick, and running back MarShawn Lloyd played in just one game after frequent spells on the sidelines. But there is one player, who has spent more time on the injured list than on the gridiron for the last two years and the Packers might just have had enough of it.
The Packers have a lot to ponder over during the offseason. They desperately need a top wide receiver to help them close games with their passing attack. Then there is the question of free agency with the future of center Josh Myers a big conundrum. While we will have clarity over how they plan to tackle these issues, one player might certainly be out on his way.
For most of his career, Jaire Alexander has been one of the best defensive players in Green Bay, earning All-Pro honors twice. But last month, when he was asked to speak with the media at locker room cleanout, he reportedly turned down the chance noting that he didn’t know if he would be with the team next season. And now, that notion appears to be closer to reality.
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It has been reported that many people at the franchise have expressed their frustration with Alexander’s injuries over the last few years. He missed 34 of the last 68 games because of multiple injuries—shoulder, knee, groin and has played only 14 games over the last two seasons. ESPN Rob Demovsky reported, “There are strong indications that Alexander’s time with the Packers will end without him playing another down.”
Jaire Alexander is one of the highest-paid corners in the league, having signed an $84 million four-year contract in 2022. He remains under contract with the Green Bay Packers for the 2025 season but carries a nearly $25 million cap hit. It appears Green Bay sees this as the right time to move on from him. If they cut him before June 1, they save $6.8 million, but a post-June 1 release would free up a much bigger $17 million. Either way, it looks like the Packers are done waiting for him to get back on track.
The cornerback is slated to make $17.5 million in 2025 and $19.5 million in 2026, but nothing of it is guaranteed. Going by his contract and injury history, it’s hard to imagine someone would be willing to pay it.
This season, Alexander missed nine of the team’s final 10 games with a knee injury, missing 11 games overall. The former Pro Bowler has had a troublesome history. In 2021, a shoulder injury kept him out for 13 consecutive games.
His worrying injury record also led GM Brian Gutekunst to admit last month, “No, there’s frustration from both sides that he can’t get out there. That’s tough. I feel for him. He wants to be out there and wants to play, but, no, no disconnect.” When asked if the team can afford to keep him given his frequent unavailability, Gutekunst said “We’ll work through that.” But now it appears that both might be headed their separate ways.
Demovsky noted, “Multiple team sources have privately expressed their frustration with Alexander’s inability to stay healthy and/or play through injuries.” He did not play after November. 17, despite practicing on a semi-regular basis, and went on injured reserve the final week of the season. He later underwent knee surgery on what was reported to be a torn PCL.
Packers are expected to move on from CB Jaire Alexander this offseason.
Alexander has played in just 14 games over the last two seasons and counts for $25M on the cap this year. The Packers would clear $6.8M with an outright release or $17M as a post-June 1 cut. https://t.co/CemtYixLg2 pic.twitter.com/PTfP2a03eV
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) February 18, 2025
The Packers have been here before. In 2022, they had to cut Za’Darius Smith because they needed the relief to be cap compliant. However, the situation with Alexander is different, and waiting for a trade would financial sense for the franchise. Meanwhile, he might not be the only one packing his bags.
The futures of AJ Dillon, Andre Dillard, Josh Myers, Eric Wilson, and a few others hang in the balance. Green Bay still has playmakers like Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, but the front office is making some tough financial calls to build for the long haul. With cap space opening up, expect them to be aggressive in free agency and the draft to reload for another playoff push. The Packers aren’t just retooling—they’re reshaping the future.
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Jordan Love’s reflection on the Packers’ 2024 run
Jordan Love took to Instagram to drop some real moments from the Packers’ 2024 season, giving us a peek at the highs and lows of the journey. From him walking onto the field to locker room vibes with his boys, the post really captures the grind. In his caption, Love kept it 100: “What a year! Full of ups and downs… highs and lows… and lessons along the journey… but love playing with my guys! We back next season.” You can tell he’s vibing with the squad and super ready for what’s next.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Love—he kicked off the season with a major injury, but he came back stronger, balling out in 15 games. He ended with 3,389 yards and 25 touchdowns, proving he’s that dude. Still, the Packers couldn’t get past the Eagles and make it to the Super Bowl. But Love’s not tripping. He knows the squad learned mad lessons this season, and they’re coming back better than ever.
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With the offseason now in full swing, Love’s leadership is going to be key as the Packers make some big moves. The team is already starting to switch things up. But Love’s message is clear: this isn’t the end, it never was. They’re learning from the grind and are about to come back hungry for that Super Bowl next season.
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Is cutting Jaire Alexander a smart move, or are the Packers risking too much on youth?
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Is cutting Jaire Alexander a smart move, or are the Packers risking too much on youth?
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