NFL Analyst Tabs NFC North Rival As Fit For Packers' Jaire Alexander

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Felipe Reis Aceti | Last updated Jun 5, 2025 8:30 AM ET

The Green Bay Packers have seen this story unfold many times before. Over the years, several former players have ended up with NFC North rivals after they ran in Green Bay. Brett Favre went to the Vikings. T.J. Lang signed with the Lions. Za'Darius Smith, Aaron Jones, Marcedes Lewis, Robert Tonyan, Jamaal Williams—the list goes on.

If there is one player Packers fans do not want to see suiting up for a division rival, it is Jaire Alexander. Injuries have been an issue—he has missed 34 of Green Bay’s last 68 games—but when Alexander is on the field, he is one of the best cornerbacks in the league. So far, neither side has reached an agreement on a revised deal to bring him back, and while a trade is possible, an outright release is also not out of the question. He carries the third-largest cap hit on the team in 2025, which only adds to the uncertainty.

In a scenario where the Packers and Alexander part ways, one NFL analyst has already pointed to an NFC North rival as a potential landing spot for the two-time All-Pro cornerback.

CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin has named the Minnesota Vikings as one of four possible suitors for the two-time Pro Bowler Jaire Alexander.

"All offseason, the Green Bay Packers have publicly anticipated a breakup with Alexander, who's simultaneously been one of the NFL's best -- and most injured -- cover men," Benjamin wrote.

"Both sides hinted at a split in free agency, either via trade or release," he added. "Now the Packers apparently have a new contract offer on the table, but if the Pro Bowler doesn't bite at a pay cut, Green Bay could save $17 million by cutting or trading the cornerback after June 1. That's an increase of $9.5 million from prior to June 1."

Benjamin’s official prediction is that Green Bay will retain Alexander on a restructured deal. However, it would not be surprising if the Vikings showed interest in him. Still, if Alexander does leave, the Packers should be more willing to accept a seventh-round pick in 2026 rather than risk seeing him join a division rival.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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