The first wave of free agency passed, and the only notable move that the Green Bay Packers made was the one that kept Aaron Jones in Green Bay. It was a big change for the Packers, as they managed to move enough money to keep one of the running backs more league dynamics in Green Bay in the foreseeable future. The running back position is now resolved for the Packers with Jones and AJ Dillon leading the charge entering 2021. But a glaring need remains in the cornerback.
When the decision to bring Jones back was made, many were surprised by the situation of the Packers’ salary cap entering the off-season. This situation consisted of having no limit on the space to work. Bringing Jones back was celebrated, but it also brought the realization that Green Bay probably wouldn’t be able to do much more without restructuring Aaron Rodgers’ contract (they haven’t done it yet, but are trying). The hole in the cornerback is even more noticeable now that another position has been taken care of.
Jaire Alexander is one of the best cornerbacks in the entire NFL. You can see several statistical measures that support this statement:
Jaire Alexander: 13 games allowing less than 30 yards in 2020 (1st) 🔒
Is he CB1 in the NFL ?! 🤔 pic.twitter.com/8nXjakfnEw
– PFF (@PFF) March 23, 2021
Jaire Alexander can do everything 🔥 pic.twitter.com/lEJq6TsleG
– Packers Nation (@PackersNationCP) March 19, 2021
Jaire Alexander: Highest PFF Graduation CB of 2020 🥇 🏆 pic.twitter.com/9fWtC0EvQX
– PFF (@PFF) January 4, 2021
What the Packers have out of Alexander in the position is not so good. Kevin King has popped up over his time at Green Bay dealing with multiple injuries over the past few seasons. He is now an unrestricted free agent. Former runner-up Josh Josh was a healthy scratch for much of the second half of the 2020 season. While he is still under contract, it is not a good omen that the Packers felt it would be better to have him inactive while he was healthy most of last year. They opened a bid against the restricted free agent Chandon Sullivan, who was good at the spot last year and should now be back this season. But they need more.
Many called for the Packers to go after Richard Sherman. Although in theory the idea is a good one, it is still relatively unknown what kind of contract Sherman is looking for and what kind of money he could withdraw. If the Packers manage to free up some space and Sherman, who will enter his 33-year season, is willing to play for a title contender making less money, everyone will sign up for it. The idea is great, but as it is realistic, that is the question.
Another option is Casey Hayward. Hayward was drafted by the Packers and spent his first four seasons with the Packers before signing as a free agent with the Chargers in 2016. Now, at 31, Hayward is still very effective, but not the cornerback that was just a few seasons ago. He is another option that may be intrigued about playing for a championship contender, but would need to receive less money due to the Packers’ salary cap problems.
Regardless of what the Packers do or don’t do in the free agency the rest of the way in the cornerback position, they are expected to use an initial choice in the NFL Draft to meet the evident need. Jaire Alexander may defeat opponent No. 1 wideout weekly, but they need a lot more help with the position looking empty out of him. There are some good options left at the free agency, and now attention is turned to the Green Bay office to see if they will free up the maximum space.
