Matt LaFleur secured a major offseason win! No blockbuster trade, or a flashy signing. But, there is a double dose of quiet reinforcement which is exciting to the fans. Receiving a $1 million+ salary cap boost and a possible commitment with Jaire Alexander, it’s a solid silver lining for the Packers. A surprise offseason workout has left fans speculating if Alexander is here to stay after all.
First things first! Jaire Alexander’s polarizing history over the last 18 months in Green Bay was a matter of concern. But his absence has paid off—literally. Due to injury-related insurance benefits, Green Bay has received the much-needed financial flexibility. As per the X post by Ken- Packers Cap, that specialises in analysing Packers salary cap and roster, “Insurance cap benefit the Packers received for Jaire Alexander missing 10 games in 2023: $1,461,174.”
Furthermore, the post mentions, “Insurance cap benefit the Packers received for Jaire Alexander missing 10 games in 2024: $1,074,702.” So, due to Alexander’s missed time, the insurance policy cash-in is a clear win for Matt LaFleur. Altogether $2.5 million in salary cap relief over two years. It is a timely win for GM Brian Gutekunst, as well.
As Jordan Love’s rookie deal is closing fast, each dollar counts. Jordan Love’s teammate, Jaire Alexander, who was once regarded as the NFL’s top-notch lockdown corner, has suffered two injury-plagued seasons. Because of this, he has altogether missed 20 games. Due to this, the Packers reportedly put him on the trade block earlier this offseason. However, with the recent good news and a sighting of Alexander, things may have taken a turn for the better.
Jaire Alexander spotted working out with the Packers
Xavier McKinney’s recent Instagram post tells a different story. It features Alexander as he is working out in the morning with the defensive back. McKinney captioned it, “Good work. JA money.” It was not just a post-workout flex, but a statement that despite the trade rumors, Alexander is still working on his craft. But, one must note that the 2023 season was tough for him.
With back and shoulder injuries limiting him to just 7 games, and a fiasco in week 16, when he tried to name himself team captain… without permission, it was a blunder. But, down the line, he once again proved himself. He bounced back in Week 18 to lock up DJ Moore, and in the Wild Card game, he erased CeeDee Lamb.
Alexander’s contract that he signed in 2022 for 4 years, at $84 million, made him the highest-paid CB in NFL history at the time. In 2025, he is set to cost $24 million against the cap, and a whopping $27 million in 2026. However, the insurance relief gives the front office more room to invest around their young QB and rising defense.
Moreover, when healthy, Alexander is a two-time Pro Bowler and top-5 cover corner. That’s why Green Bay fans are excited to see Alexander put in offseason work. Because if JA comes in again, combined with LaFleur’s back cap flexibility, it means new opportunities for the Packers this season.
