Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst put any uncertainty about Jaire Alexander’s future to rest Thursday.
Gutekunst delivered a succinct response when asked if he’s considered trading the star cornerback this offseason.
“No,” he answered. “No.”
#Packers GM Brian Gutekunst was asked if he gave any consideration to trading Jaire Alexander. Very short answer lol #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/WVQXotUyFd
— Packerfan Total Access- Clayton (@packers_access) February 1, 2024
Alexander made his second Pro Bowl with a career-high five interceptions in 2022, but last season didn’t go as smoothly. Injuries limited him to nine games, including the playoffs, and he allowed a 113.4 opposing passer rating in coverage.
The former first-round pick was also responsible for one of the season’s strangest stories. Alexander nearly cost the Packers a possession by appointing himself a captain and crashing the coin toss before their Week 16 game against the Carolina Panthers.
He made the call to play defense instead of saying he wanted to defer. Green Bay would have kicked to start both halves if Alexander’s teammates — the actual captains who were supposed to be on the field — didn’t clarify.
The Packers suspended him one game for conduct detrimental to the team.
“The decision to suspend a player is never easy and not one we take lightly,” Gutekunst said in a statement. “Unfortunately, Jaire’s actions prior to the game in Carolina led us to take this step. As an organization, we have an expectation that everyone puts the team first. While we are disappointed, we had a good conversation with Jaire this morning and fully expect him to learn from this as we move forward together. We look forward to welcoming him back next week as he is a valued member of this team and will continue to be in the future.”
Following the suspension, ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted that Alexander is due a $8 million roster bonus on March 20. He called that payment a “trigger point” in determining the highest-paid cornerback’s future in Green Bay.