With the decision to cut Jaire
Alexander, the Green Bay Packers have gratefully put an end to their most recent offseason farce. Naturally, there is a great deal of disagreement among Packers supporters over a move of this kind; some are pleased with the choice, while many are worried about the defense’s current situation.However, the most important question still stands as to what Green Bay will do with the $17 million they would save by letting go of Alexander. The team’s current cap room is increased by that, bringing the amount under the cap to about $46 million. Teams typically have some cap space available at the start of the season for the unavoidable in-season transactions. Nevertheless, the Packers still have between $30 and $35 million to work with, so they must take action.
Five actions the Packers need to take following Jaire Alexander’s release.
1. Extensions inside Two internal extensions are the most likely actions we’ll witness first. In light of his possible transfer to center, Elgton Jenkins is seeking more contract guarantees. Zach Tom, who is about to reach the last year of his contract, has been one of the best tackles in football.
Additionally, Green Bay will have to decide on Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson. After tearing his ACL in the regular-season finale, Watson is anticipated to miss at least some time this season. Both players have struggled with injury issues. Both can present a compelling argument for the Packers to retain them as they are nearing the end of their contracts.
The squad will need to make a defensive decision over Quay Walker’s future. In anticipation of a longer contract, they previously turned down his fifth-year option. Walker might be more expensive than Isaiah Simmons, who is on a one-year “prove it” contract.
2. Asante Sign Samuel Jr. This team’s cornerback depth is still a big worry. There was doubt about depth even with Alexander on the roster. Carrington Valentine and Keisean Nixon have both been decent, if not outstanding, but it is risky to roll with either of them as CB1. Although Nate Hobbs will undoubtedly be a step up over Corey Ballentine and Eric Stokes, will he be able to produce at Jaire Alexander’s level?
Asante Samuel Jr. might play a significant role in the Packers’ defense. He played all 17 games in 2023 and 2022, recording two interceptions each season, while being hindered by injuries during the 2024 campaign. He plays with a very high football IQ and has demonstrated great skill in both zone and man coverage.
The fact that he probably won’t require much of that $45 million in cap space and may sign a one- or two-year contract with the possibility of an extension after the upcoming season is perhaps the greatest part. Green Bay might be the team to sneak in and seize the young corner after surviving the initial waves of free agency.
3. Get a veteran’s corner Sports are a particularly fascinating industry. Occasionally, years later, you have the opportunity to sign a player who previously escaped. Sometimes you might bring in someone who used to be a fierce competitor. In the upcoming weeks, the Green Bay Packers could very well do either.
Stephon Gilmore might be signed by the Packers in the former scenario. Prior to his eventual 2021 trade to the Carolina Panthers, Gilmore was formerly strongly associated with Green Bay. Even though “Gilly Lock” isn’t the same athlete who was a Pro Bowl contender when he played for the New England Patriots, he still makes a significant contribution. During his 15 games for Minnesota in 2024, he recorded one interception and nine passes defensed.
A deal for Jalen Ramsey might also be considered by the team. With three seasons left on his contract after this one, Ramsey currently has a $16 million cap cost. Although he has been in the league for a long time, he is not as old as Gilmoreโin October, he will turn 31. In 2024, Ramsey played in all 17 games and recorded two interceptions. In 2023, he was named a Pro Bowl player.
4. Get a pass rusher and extend their contract A strong pass rush might occasionally be the most effective secondary weapon. If the quarterback is being pursued or fired, you don’t have to cover as much ground. Since neither has shown up for obligatory minicamp, two well-known pass rushers who are currently embroiled in contract disputes could be prime targets.
Green Bay might attempt to sign a player they previously had a chance to draft, much as they did with Gilmore. It would be T.J. Watt in this instance. The former Badgers star and Wisconsin native was rumored to be a target for the Packers in the 2017 NFL Draft. Rather, Green Bay chose Kevin King after trading down. After suffering multiple injuries, King eventually left the league. Watt, meanwhile, rose to fame in Pittsburgh, where he was named the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, a seven-time Pro Bowler, and a six-time All-Pro.
Trey Hendrickson is another player that has been vaguely associated with the Packers this summer. NFL experts have mentioned Green Bay as a potential destination for the pass rusher before the Bengals franchise tagged him. Cincinnati did tag him, and at first it appeared like negotiations would lead to a long-term agreement, but things swiftly fell apart.
Of the two, Hendrickson ought to be given priority. He is signed to a one-year contract worth $21 million, which is a few million less than Rashan Gary’s, even though he offers far more production. However, a trade could cost the Packers a significant amount of draft capital. Green Bay would then need to negotiate an extension after a trade for either pass rusher is finalized.
5. Nothing This may be a pessimistic perspective, but there are moments when it seems like the Packers front office’s best course of action is to take no action. Fans of the Packers, including me, would undoubtedly be offended by that, but it wouldn’t be shocking if Green Bay tried to carry over the cap savings from this season into the following one.
Though not as ostentatious, this does relate to internal extensions in a way. On Tuesday, it was announced that Bo Melton was receiving defensive reps. Although no one would mistake Melton for Travis Hunter, it’s important to remember that Melton’s brother was selected in the second round at cornerback in the previous year’s draft, suggesting that there may be some genetic ties.