Packers eye $20 million veteran, former No. 1 pick to fill major positional need

Green Bay, WI – May 2025 — The Green Bay Packers are actively working toward a resolution regarding cornerback Jaire Alexander, whose recent seasons have been marred by injuries. While Alexander remains one of the team’s most talented defenders, his limited availability—missing at least 10 games in three of the last four seasons—has prompted the organization to consider either restructuring his contract or exploring trade options.

According to Zach Kruse, a potential contract adjustment could allow Alexander to earn his full salary if healthy and available in 2025, while protecting the team financially if injury issues persist.

Packers Eyeing Help on the Defensive Front

While the secondary remains a storyline, the defensive line is becoming a more urgent issue for Green Bay. Despite failing to address it in the NFL Draft, a potential solution appeared Thursday morning when the Carolina Panthers released veteran pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney.

Clowney, the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, gained national fame with his highlight-reel hit against Michigan during his college career at South Carolina. Since entering the NFL, he’s had a solid, though nomadic, career—providing impact plays across multiple teams over the past decade.

Could Clowney Fill the Void?

Whether the Packers will make a move remains uncertain, but momentum is building around the idea that Clowney could offer immediate value.

“The Packers are banking on a lot of youth at edge rusher entering 2025,” Kruse noted, highlighting a rotation featuring Lukas Van Ness, Rashan Gary, Kingsley Enagbare, Brenton Cox Jr., Arron Mosby, and rookies Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver.

With so much inexperience on the edge, a short-term veteran signing could stabilize the group. A one-year deal would align with Clowney’s recent history—he’s moved teams often, but continued to produce at a reliable level.

What’s Next?

Bringing in Clowney would not only add veteran leadership but also ease the burden on the Packers’ young pass rushers. And with Alexander’s future still in flux, Green Bay may soon find itself needing reinforcements on both ends of its defense.

Whether through contract adjustments, free agency, or internal development, the Packers have big decisions to make as they try to remain competitive in a loaded NFC playoff race.