The Green Bay Packers released Pro Bowl cornerback on Monday morning. Alexander, who had been with the team for seven seasons, earned two Pro Bowl selections and recorded 12 interceptions during his tenure. Once considered one of the top shutdown corners in the NFL, his impact has been limited recently due to injuries—he’s appeared in only 14 games over the last two seasons.
Alexander was primarily released for salary cap reasons. His 2025 cap hit was projected at $24.6 million, and releasing him will save the Packers approximately $36.6 million over the next two years. The decision was also influenced by injury concerns—Alexander had knee surgery in January, leaving uncertainty about his long-term health. The combination of financial strain and injury risk made the move a logical one for the team.
According to Bookies.com, the San Francisco 49ers are currently the favorites to sign Alexander, with betting odds at +400. Following the departure of top cornerback Charvarius Ward, the 49ers could benefit from adding a veteran like Alexander. Their current cornerback group includes Deommodore Lenoir, Renardo Green, Tre Brown, rookie Uptown Stout, and Darrell Luter Jr.—a capable unit, but one that would be significantly strengthened by Alexander’s presence.
The 49ers have ample cap space—second most in the league at $46.5 million—which gives them the financial flexibility to pursue Alexander. Despite his recent injuries, he still showed flashes of elite play, earning a solid 78.3 coverage grade from PFF last season, ranking 16th among all cornerbacks.
However, a signing seems unlikely given the team’s offseason direction. San Francisco has moved on from several veteran players, including Deebo Samuel, Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga, and Aaron Banks, suggesting a shift toward younger talent. Bringing in an injury-prone veteran like Alexander might not align with that strategy.
Despite being cut, Alexander is expected to attract plenty of interest and should still command a respectable contract. A bidding war could emerge, especially among playoff contenders. While his addition would certainly help a team like the 49ers, his injury history and the price tag make him a risky investment.
The only scenario in which the 49ers should consider signing Alexander is if he agrees to a team-friendly deal. Otherwise, committing significant money to a player with durability concerns could backfire. In the end, the potential reward may not outweigh the risks.
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