TFM
The Packers are putting money into their defense. Today, Jaire Alexander was signed to a contract extension – and it’s a big one. The upcoming 2022 season would have been Alexander’s fifth-year option of his rookie contract, but today, John Thornton, Jaire Alexander’s agent, told Adam Schefter that the Packers have signed Alexander to a four-year, $84 million contract that includes a $30 million signing bonus, which will mean a $21 million per-year salary for Alexander, which is a new salary record for DBs.
Alexander was drafted in 2018 in the first round with the 18th overall pick. The Packers had traded down in the draft with the Saints before trading up with the Seahawks to draft Alexander. In his first seasons in the NFL, Alexander proved himself to be a dominant force in the Packers defense, making his first Pro Bowl in 2020, but he only played four games in the 2021 season due to an injured shoulder.
Additionally, the Packers drafted cornerback Eric Stokes in the first round of the 2022 draft out of Georgia – a team with one of the best defenses in college football last season – with the 29th overall pick. They also re-signed CB Rasul Douglas to a three-year $21 million deal. These moves reinforce the Packers defense, though there is still a hole offensively, as they did not re-sign superstar wide receiver Davante Adams, who is now playing for the Las Vegas Raiders. The added salary cap room made with the Jaire Alexander contract, though, could lead to room to sign someone for Aaron Rodgers to throw to in the upcoming season.
