Why Packers' Jaire Alexander happily forfeited $700k

Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander explained why he happily forfeited a $700,000 workout bonus by skipping voluntary get-togethers.

"I know what works for me at this point," Alexander told reporters, as shared by Mike Spofford of the Packers' website. "I'm on year six, two Pro Bowls, two All-Pros, I mean, I think I know what I got going on here."

Rob Demovsky of ESPN noted that Alexander remained in Green Bay for much of the winter but then left town before the team's offseason program began. The 26-year-old who originally joined the Packers as a 2018 first-round draft pick indicated he would've participated in the voluntary portion of the offseason program for "about $10M." 

Instead, he spent part of the spring watching footage of organized team activities via an iPad. 

“This is probably the best time to be here," Alexander said about his mindset. "When it’s quiet...I like to be here because I feel like I get the work. When no one’s here and it’s quiet, I can go in Lambeau all day … It’s so quiet. You have no choice but to find peace, especially inside the building. Lambeau’s open all day, go out there and meditate, run some stadiums, that’s all."

It was learned in May 2022 that Alexander and the Packers agreed to a four-year, $84M extension that reportedly allowed him to earn up to $42.5M by this past March. While some likely can't help but roll their eyes regarding Alexander treating $700,000 as if that cash is a dollar bill he found on the street, all would do well to remember he isn't hurting for money these days. According to Spotrac, Alexander earned over $43M just from his NFL contracts across his first five pro seasons. 

Alexander joked he trained "on an island somewhere" during voluntary sessions. He's now back with the Packers and seemingly not missing $700,000 he never planned on having in the first place.