April 26, 2025
GREEN BAY, Wis. – Fresh off drafting Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden at No. 23, the Green Bay Packers pulled off a stunner, trading cornerback Jaire Alexander to NFC North rival Minnesota Vikings for Byron Murphy Jr. and a 2026 fourth-round pick, sources told ESPN Friday.
Alexander, a two-time Pro Bowler, played just 14 games over two seasons due to injuries, prompting trade talks (NFL.com). His $24.9 million cap hit and $17.5 million salary stalled deals, but the Vikings, needing a CB1, bit (Over The Cap). Murphy, 28, offers depth.
Golden’s blazing 4.29-second 40-dash and 987 yards in 2024 fill Green Bay’s WR1 void, with Christian Watson sidelined (The Athletic). “We’re reshaping the roster,” GM Brian Gutekunst said. Trading Alexander, who clashed over pay cuts, clears cap space for extensions (Acme Packing Company).
Murphy, a 2019 second-round pick, brings versatility with 5 interceptions and 39 pass deflections since 2022 (Pro Football Reference). His $9.2 million cap hit fits Green Bay’s $47 million cap, pairing him with Nate Hobbs and Keisean Nixon in Jeff Hafley’s scheme (Spotrac).
The Packers’ secondary, ranked ninth in passing yards allowed, struggled without Alexander (210.5 yards/game, ESPN). Murphy’s slot and outside skills bolster depth behind Carrington Valentine, while the fourth-rounder adds draft flexibility (Sporting News).
“I’m here to lock down,” Murphy told reporters, eyeing a starting role. The trade stunned Titletown, with Alexander joining a rival. Minnesota, losing Camryn Bynum to free agency, banks on Alexander’s 12 career picks to boost Brian Flores’ defense (CBS Sports).
Green Bay’s 11-6 wild-card exit exposed roster holes. Golden and Murphy address offense and depth, complementing Josh Jacobs’ 1,329 yards. Gutekunst’s gamble—trading a star for a rotational CB—aims to sustain Green Bay’s Super Bowl window with Jordan Love (Packers Wire).
As Lambeau buzzes post-draft, the trade reshapes the NFC North. Murphy’s grit and Golden’s speed signal Green Bay’s all-in push. Will this bold swap propel the Packers past Minnesota and Detroit in 2025?
