10 cornerbacks the Packers could target to replace Jaire Alexander, from high-upside gambles to proven veteran names

Trade candidates

Greg Newsome, Cleveland Browns

Newsome was a first-round pick back in 2021, and now he's playing under a fifth-year option for the Browns, who are reportedly willing to move him. The problem is that he had $13.377 million fully-guaranteed for the season. To execute a trade, the Packers would have to give up a draft pick, but the Browns would also have to absorb part of the deal, most likely.

Jaylen Watson, Kansas City Chiefs

A seventh-rounder in 2022, Watson is entering the final year of his rookie deal. He's slated to make $3.406 million due to the proven performance escalator. He broke his leg and missed the second half of last season, but is young and expected to be ready to play in 2025. While Watson isn't exactly a high-end option, he was allowing a 75.3 passer rating when targeted before his injury in 2024.

Jalen Ramsey, Miami Dolphins

I'll put this one here to say that it's highly, highly unlikely. Ramsey is 30 years old and is slated to make $21 million this year, $21.7 million in 2026, and $24 million in 2027. There aren't guarantees left beyond this season, but giving up real draft compensation for an expensive season of an older cornerback is simply a bad process.

Available free agents

Kendall Fuller

Fuller is 30 and missed time last year with injuries, which is why the Miami Dolphins decided to cut him. But he played 52% of the defensive snaps and did it as a pretty good level, with five pass breakups, an interception, and allowing a 92.8 passer rating when targeted. He's experienced and plays mostly as an outside corner.

Asante Samuel Jr.

Samuel is, no doubt, the cornerback with the highest ceiling in free agency. He's still only 25 and had a legit good season in 2023. But injuries prevented him from keeping the same level, and there are some concerns about his status—which is why he's still unsigned.

Rasul Douglas

I don't need to tell who Rasul is, even though the Packers would probably get a different version of him. First, he will be 31 by the start of the regular season. Second, Green Bay now plays a new defensive scheme under Jeff Hafley, and the cornerback was a good fit in Joe Barry's style. Last but not least, Douglas did show some signs of regression last year, and that's ultimately why the Buffalo Bills did not re-sign him. After allowing a passer rating when targeted below 90 for three consecutive years, Rasul's number in 2024 was 123.7. He also committed nine penalties. He is a good locker room presence and for the right price, it could make sense. Historically, though, Gutekunst isn't high on bringing players back.

Stephon Gilmore

The Packers considered signing Gilmore back in 2021, when he was leaving the New England Patriots. It didn't happen back then, prompting the Packers to sign Rasul Douglas. Gilmore is 34 now, which per se brings some level of risk. But his game has aged relatively well, and he had a decent 63.9 PFF grade last season for the Minnesota Vikings.

Shaquill Griffin

Another veteran who spent the 2024 season with the Vikings, Griffin has played for the Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers, and Houston Texans as well, always at an average or better level. Earlier this offseason, he visited the Seahawks, but didn't sign. Griffin would offer a floor of competency to the depth that might be important down the stretch.

Robert Rochell

This would be a depth addition and nothing more. Rochell spent parts of the past two years on the Packers (active and practice squad), but played primarily on special teams. Green Bay allowed him to walk in free agency and he even signed with the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this year, but eventually got released. He would be another name to compete for a roster spot.

C.J. Henderson

Last year, the Packers considered C.J. Henderson in free agency before he signed with the Houston Texans (he also spent some time with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024). A former first-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Henderson got traded and played three years for the Carolina Panthers. His track record in the league is mediocre at best, but the pedigree and speed are somewhat intriguing.