Evidently, the Green Bay Packers‘ priority this offseason is to build their defense.
They drafted linebacker Quay Walker and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
They also selected defensive end Kingsley Enagbare, linebacker Tariq Carpenter, and defensive tackle Jonathan Ford.
It’s a wise move by the Packers because their defense has often been regarded as the team’s Achilles heel.
Their offense can rack up points with Aaron Rodgers, AJ Dillon, Aaron Jones, Randall Cobb, and Allen Lazard.
However, the defense hasn’t been on par with their counterparts on the other side of the ball.
Therefore, they are building that unit to help them during the postseason, should they make it.
But aside from drafting players, Green Bay is also retaining one of their leaders on defense.
The deal, which is now done and finalized, makes the Pro Bowl CB the highest paid at his position. https://t.co/ekDnZn5yZM
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 16, 2022
NFL Network national insider Ian Rapoport tweeted, “The #Packers and CB Jaire Alexander have an agreement in principle on a 4-year, $84 million extension, source said. He gets a whopping $31M in Year 1.”
The money he will in the first year includes a $30 million signing bonus and a $1 million base salary.
He added, “The deal, which is now done and finalized, makes the Pro Bowl CB the highest paid at his position.”
Alexander’s contract edges Denzel Ward‘s annual average value of $20.1 million.
Re-Signing Alexander Was A No-Brainer
Last season, Alexander had nine tackles, three passes defended, and one interception.
Those numbers might not be impressive, but he has the ability to shut down the opponent’s best receiver.
Besides, he only played four games in 2021.
The former Louisville standout had 51 tackles, one sack, one interception, and 13 passes defended in 2020.
Once he is back to full strength, the Packers will have a cornerback that can cover one side of the field.
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