Packers Star Xavier McKinney Sends Message on Jaire Alexander
Although Xavier McKinney, an All-Pro safety, still hopes that cornerback Jaire Alexander will rejoin the Green Bay Packers defense for the 2025 campaign, he ultimately wants the best for his friend and teammate.
The Packers are still unsure if Alexander will play for them in the upcoming season as OTAs get begun. According to Over the Cap, he has a contract with a 2025 salary-cap hit of $24.6 million, but neither party has yet to guarantee that he will stay in Green Bay.
Earlier this week, The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman reported that the Packers had proposed a modified contract for Alexander to keep him with the team this year, but he noted that Alexander and his camp have not yet agreed to restructure his agreement.
In the meantime, McKinney is merely trying to support his pal. He worked out with the cornerback earlier in the offseason and has been close to him throughout his first 14 months with the Packers. He intends to stand by Alexander no matter how things turn out, even though he and his defense comrades want him back.
We all want him to return. I essentially speak with him every day. “I just want to keep in touch with him,” McKinney stated on Wednesday. Regardless matter the circumstances, I will ultimately support him. I’ve been open about the fact that we’ve built a strong enough friendship off the field that I’m just like, “Brah, I just want what’s best for you and I’m going to be there anyway.”
“We want him here, but however that situation plays out, that’s how it plays out.”
McKinney had a tremendous first season with the Packers in 2024 after signing a four-year, $67 million contract in free agency. As a 17-game starter who was named to the first team All-Pro and Pro Bowl, he intercepted the second-most passes (eight) in the NFL and established himself as a key member of Green Bay’s new defense under Jeff Hafley.
Even though McKinney’s expectations have not changed, he is entering his second season with a focus on guiding the young Packers defenders.
“At this time, my main focus is I’m trying to lead these young guys that just got in, trying to make sure they are comfortable and are going to be ready to go when the season comes along,” McKinney said. McKinney will have some assistance.
The Packers added former Las Vegas Raiders starter Nate Hobbs and veteran cornerback Keisean Nixon to the room in free agency, giving them a few seasoned secondary leaders even if Alexander leaves.
And McKinney can keep pursuing his ultimate NFL goal with the help of those around him.
“I’m going for a gold jacket, so that’s always going to be the objective,” McKinney stated. “It’s been the goal since I came in. Since I was a child, it has been the objective. That level of intensity and that energy will always remain constant.
The Packers are still trying to retain their two-time All-Pro cornerback, according to their restructured contract offer, but Alexander and his future in Green Bay are still open to all possible outcomes, including a possible release.
Schneidman wrote that Alexander intends to attend the Packers’ required minicamp in June and may report even earlier to take part in voluntary OTAs, but he also mentioned that the Packers may cut him if talks on a restructure fail.
After injuries limited Alexander to seven games in each of the previous two seasons, the Packers understandably want to reduce his cap charge for the 2025 season. Alexander is a very valuable and talented player when healthy, but they are spending too much money on a veteran who has struggled to stay available when they need him most.
If Alexander refuses to budge and the Packers are unable to find a trade partner—something they have been trying to do all offseason—they may be forced to cut ties with him permanently and release him before camp for about $19.5 million in cap savings.
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