The Green Bay Packers are likely to be without one of their top players for the rest of the season, and he may have already played his final game with the team.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur announced on Wednesday that cornerback Jaire Alexander underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on Tuesday to address ongoing issues. While it’s unlikely Alexander will return this season, there is a slim chance he could play if the Packers make it to the Super Bowl.
In addition to this short-term setback, there are growing concerns that Alexander may not be with the team next year. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Alexander’s $16.15 million salary for 2025 is non-guaranteed, and given his persistent injury problems, the Packers may opt to part ways with him.
Alexander signed a four-year, $84 million contract extension ahead of the 2022 season but has struggled to stay healthy. Shoulder injuries sidelined him for much of the 2021 and 2023 seasons, and his knee issues have now impacted his 2024 campaign. Despite initial hopes for a late-season return, the Packers had no choice but to shut him down when his knee did not improve.
While Alexander remains an elite talent when healthy, he has played just 14 games over the past two seasons, and his hefty contract could make it difficult for the Packers to retain him. With his injury history and a significant salary on the books, the team may look to move on and find a more reliable option at cornerback.
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