Packers Trade Injury-Prone Superstar to Browns to Nab Higher Pick from No. 23

April 15, 2025

GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers have shaken the NFL, trading injury-plagued superstar cornerback Jaire Alexander, their No. 87 pick, and a 2026 fifth-rounder to the Cleveland Browns for the No. 2 overall pick and a 2025 fourth-rounder (No. 115), sources told Yahoo Sports Tuesday. The blockbuster vaults Green Bay up the 2025 draft.

Alexander, 28, dazzled as a two-time All-Pro (2020, 2022) with 12 career interceptions. But injuries—playing just 34 of 68 games since 2022—tarnished his star, netting only 2 picks in 2024 (NFL.com). His $25.48 million cap hit became a weight for a playoff-hungry squad.

After an 11-6 season and wild-card exit, the Packers craved a reset. “We’re chasing big impact,” GM Brian Gutekunst said. Pick No. 2 targets Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan or Michigan’s Mason Graham, filling voids at receiver or defensive tackle left by Christian Watson’s ACL tear and TJ Slaton’s departure.

Cleveland, reeling without Denzel Ward in free agency, bets on Alexander’s upside. Their $60 million cap space swallows his deal, banking on his elite coverage to fix a 7-10 defense that leaked 4.9 yards per carry in 2024 (ESPN).

Green Bay’s secondary holds with Nate Hobbs, Rasul Douglas, and Carrington Valentine. Trading Alexander saves $6.84 million, boosting a $47 million cap (Over The Cap). Pick 115 could snag a linebacker like Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell for Jeff Hafley’s fast scheme.

Browns fans eye a steal, but Packers Nation’s divided. “Jaire for No. 2? Genius!” one X post roared. “Our defense is toast!” another wailed. Alexander’s 2022 peak—4 interceptions—feels distant, and his injury history chilled offers until Cleveland pounced.

The Giants and Patriots circled, but Cleveland’s No. 2 clinched it. “Jaire’s a difference-maker,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. Green Bay swaps a brittle star for draft gold, aiming to juice Jordan Love’s 3,947-yard attack.

It’s a high-wire act. Losing Alexander risks the secondary, but McMillan or Graham could redefine 2025. With picks and cash, Gutekunst’s all-in—will it ignite a Super Bowl run or haunt Titletown?