Green Bay Packers Football: Team Roster, Schedule & More

Tag: Packers defense

  • Will Jaire Alexander Be Worth the Gamble? Packers Weigh Risky Contract Decision

    Will Jaire Alexander Be Worth the Gamble? Packers Weigh Risky Contract Decision

    In the high-stakes world of NFL contracts, few names are drawing as much debate this offseason as Jaire Alexander. The Green Bay Packers’ star cornerback has proven time and again that when he’s on the field, he’s among the best in the league. But when he’s not? That absence comes with a cost, both financially and defensively.

    Alexander is seeking a new deal that reflects his elite level of play, but the Packers aren’t rushing to meet his demands.

    Why?

    Because over the past four seasons, he’s missed at least 10 games three times. And for a team trying to build a sustainable winner around Jordan Love, that kind of inconsistency is tough to bet big money on.

    Still, there’s no denying what he brings when healthy.

    “When he’s out there, he changes the game,” said one NFC scout. “You can’t just line up any receiver and expect to beat him.”

    That’s the gamble the Packers now face: reward the talent or protect against the risk.

    What Makes Jaire So Valuable

    Let’s talk about what Jaire Alexander does when he’s playing.

    At his best, Alexander is more than just a shutdown corner — he’s a defensive catalyst. His ability to read quarterbacks, anticipate routes, and make plays on the ball has made him one of the most feared cornerbacks in the league.

    He doesn’t just cover — he disrupts.

    And with Jordan Love now leading the offense, having a top-tier defender like Alexander becomes even more critical. Opposing teams will be gunning for Green Bay’s young QB, and you need players who can take pressure off by locking down receivers week in and week out.

    That’s where Alexander shines.

    His coverage stats, interceptions, and pass breakups all point to someone who can elevate the entire unit when he’s on the field.

    The problem? He hasn’t been on it enough.

    The Injury Question Looms Large

    Here’s the elephant in the room:

    Alexander has missed significant time due to injuries, and that pattern has raised red flags inside the Packers’ war room.

    Over the last few years, he’s battled:

    • Groin issues
    • Knee setbacks
    • Back problems
    • Missed OTAs and training camp sessions

    It’s not just about durability — it’s about availability. And for a team hoping to stay competitive in the NFC North, investing heavily in a player who’s frequently on the shelf is a major risk.

    General manager Brian Gutekunst knows that. Head coach Matt LaFleur knows that. And Alexander? He knows it too.

    Which is why both sides are exploring creative ways to bridge the gap.

    Structuring a Deal That Works

    One possible route forward is a performance-based contract structure — something that rewards Alexander when he’s healthy, rather than paying him fully regardless of availability.

    This could include:

    • Proven performance incentives
    • Missed game escalators or reductions
    • Rewards for Pro Bowl or All-Pro selections

    It’s not uncommon in today’s NFL. Players like Tyrann Mathieu and Kenny Clark have signed deals that tie financial outcomes to health and production.

    For Green Bay, it would offer some protection against recurring injuries, while still acknowledging Alexander’s elite upside when he’s in uniform.

    And for Alexander, it gives him a chance to prove he can stay on the field — and earn every penny along the way.

    Why This Matters for the Packers

    The Packers are entering a pivotal season under new leadership, with Jordan Love stepping into his first full year as a starter.

    They’re not rebuilding — they’re retooling.

    That means making smart, calculated decisions — especially on defense, where losing veterans like Adams and Savage has already created holes. Letting Alexander walk isn’t an option, but overpaying for a player with injury concerns could hurt them long-term.

    So, what’s the sweet spot?

    A deal that keeps him in Green Bay without putting the franchise in jeopardy if he misses time again.

    If they get it right, the Packers maintain one of the best secondaries in the league. If they don’t? They risk tying up cap space in a player who may not be available when it matters most.

    Final Thought: A Gamble Either Way

    There’s no easy answer here.

    Jaire Alexander is a top-tier cornerback when healthy — no question about it. But the NFL is built on consistency, and that’s the missing piece from his recent résumé.

    The Packers know that keeping him is crucial to their success in 2025 and beyond. But they also know that handing out a long-term, injury-free guarantee could come back to bite them.

    So they’ll likely try to find a middle ground — a deal that honors his talent while protecting the team’s future.

    Because sometimes, the biggest gamble isn’t letting a player go…

    It’s holding onto him when the risks keep stacking up.

  • Packers Pro Bowler Dealing With Unexpected Injury Setback

    Packers Pro Bowler Dealing With Unexpected Injury Setback

    When you think of the Green Bay Packers’ defense, one name that always comes to mind is Kenny Clark. The defensive tackle has been a rock on the interior line for nearly a decade—steady, reliable, and dominant when healthy.

    But even the most dependable players have their moments of struggle.

    Earlier this week, Clark revealed something that many fans didn’t fully realize: he played the entire 2024 season with a nagging foot injury—one that still hasn’t fully healed.

    In an interview with ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, Clark confirmed he had surgery in January to repair a right foot issue originally suffered in Week 1 during Green Bay’s game in Brazil against the Eagles.

    He gutted out the rest of the year, making 37 tackles and playing every single game. But it wasn’t easy.

    “It was a tough year for me,” Clark admitted. “I’m excited. I’m back out practicing, back doing [individual drills].”

    That excitement is real—but so is the fact that Clark isn’t quite back to full strength yet.

    Playing Through Pain Is Nothing New

    Clark has always been known for his toughness. Drafted 27th overall in 2016, he’s spent his entire nine-year career in Green Bay, earning three Pro Bowl selections and racking up 35.0 career sacks.

    At 6-foot-3 and 314 pounds, he’s the kind of player who absorbs double teams, frees up linebackers, and disrupts opposing offenses at the line of scrimmage.

    But being big and powerful also means injuries can linger longer—especially when they involve feet or toes.

    Despite missing just one game in 2024, Clark was listed on the injury report all season with a toe issue. Now we know why: it was more serious than many realized.

    Recovery Is Ongoing

    As of now, Clark says he’s moving forward with his rehab and is back on the field for individual drills during OTAs.

    It’s a positive sign, but not a full return.

    He described this early stage as a process—building strength, regaining rhythm, and slowly ramping up workload. At 29 years old, he’s got time before the regular season starts, but the hope is that by the time training camp rolls around, he’ll be ready to go full throttle.

    Still, any setback at this stage could ripple into how much work he gets under new head coach Jeff Hafley and defensive coordinator Joe Barry.

    Why This Matters for the Packers Defense

    Clark isn’t just another starter—he’s the anchor.

    His presence dictates how offenses line up and what plays they choose to run. Without him at full strength, the Packers’ front seven loses some of its teeth.

    With key defenders like Jaire Alexander and Rashan Gary also coming off injuries, having Clark fully healthy is critical to stabilizing a defense that struggled at times last year.

    If he’s not 100% come September, it could impact how the team approaches depth, rotation, and even potential midseason additions.

    Final Thought: Grit Over Glamour

    Kenny Clark doesn’t make headlines like flashier stars. He doesn’t chase camera time or locker room soundbites. What he does is show up—week after week, year after year—and do the dirty work in the trenches.

    And even when hurt, he finds a way to play.

    This latest setback might slow him down for a bit, but if history tells us anything, it’s that Clark will find a way to push through.

    For Packers fans, that’s good news.

    Because when Kenny Clark is on the field? The defense follows his lead.

  • Jaire Alexander Future in Doubt as Packers Face Defensive Uncertainty

    Jaire Alexander Future in Doubt as Packers Face Defensive Uncertainty

    The Green Bay Packers are in a make or break offseason, and the future of star cornerback Jaire Alexander is hanging in the balance. As the team tries to find its defensive identity, Alexander’s contract situation is front and center for fans and analysts alike. Will he be a cornerstone of the defense, or is he gone? The answers to those questions will shape the direction of the franchise for years to come.

    The Financial Puzzle Surrounding Alexander

    At the heart of this is a financial problem that is the NFL contract negotiation puzzle. With $17.5 million due to Alexander, this year the Packers have a tough decision to make. His recent injury history has raised questions about whether his current deal reflects his on field value.

    For the Packers, restructuring his contract into a more team friendly deal seems like an increasingly viable option—one that would benefit both sides.

    For Alexander, taking a new deal might mean he stays in Green Bay and has long term security. For the Packers, it would free up cap space and allow them to allocate resources to other areas of need. But the balance between talent, market demand, and fiscal responsibility makes this a high stakes game of chess.

    Absence from Offseason Activities: A Sign or a Strategy?

    Alexander’s no-show at voluntary workouts has everyone wondering about his commitment to the team. But this might not be as bad as it seems. Communication lines are open between Alexander and the Packers and daily talks are helping both sides understand the situation.

    This is a strategic patience from both sides as they navigate the negotiation process.

    Josh Jacobs: The Offense’s Bright Spot

    While the defense is in flux, running back Josh Jacobs is the offense’s beacon of hope. After a 15 TD, 1,329 yard season, Jacobs is not taking anything for granted.

    He’s working on the little things to turn near-misses into explosive plays and his offseason mantra of focusing on the “little things” that separate the good from the great is proof of his drive for greatness.

    The Bigger Picture for the Packers

    The Alexander contract situation and Jacobs’ improvement is the perfect microcosm of the Packers’ challenges and opportunities. As the team tries to shore up the defense and ride the offense, the outcomes of these individual stories will dictate the Packers’ path.

    With Jaire Alexander’s future in doubt, the Packers have to decide if they invest in a player who’s been a cornerstone of their defense or look elsewhere.

    A Turning Point for the Pack

    In the big chess game of NFL team building, the Packers are at a crossroads. How they handle Alexander’s contract and leverage Jacobs’ talent will tell us a lot about their priorities and vision .

    In the uncertainty and strategy, one thing is clear: the Packers are committed to growth and every move is calculated to get an edge.

  • Jadeveon Clowney Fires Back at Packers in the Loudest Way Possible

    Jadeveon Clowney Fires Back at Packers in the Loudest Way Possible

    When Jadeveon Clowney speaks, people listen—and his recent comments after being released by the Carolina Panthers have sent shockwaves through the NFL. The Green Bay Packers, in particular, should be paying close attention. Clowney didn’t mince words when addressing his future, and his message was loud and clear: he’s ready to prove himself again, and the Packers could be the perfect team to give him that chance.

    Clowney’s Bold Statement to the NFL

    After being released by the Panthers, Clowney told The Athletic he’s not done dominating on the field. He said:

    “I’m definitely gonna play well. You can mark my word on that,” Clowney said. “I played with a bunch of guys that was hurt this past year. And I ended up playing extremely well for them. So it is what it is. I can play the game. I can play football. There are 31 other teams. I just hope another team gives me that opportunity so I can prove myself again. I feel like I can do that.”

    Clowney wasn’t kidding. Despite the circumstances around him in Carolina, he had a great season. According to Pro Football Focus, his 44 pressures was second only to one Packers pass-rusher (Rashan Gary, 47)—and he did it in three fewer games. His 5.5 sacks would’ve been second on the Packers’ roster, as would his 11 quarterback hits.

    In 2023 alone, Clowney had 9.5 sacks—more than any Packers defender last season. He’s proven himself, and he’s determined to prove doubters wrong.

    Why the Packers Need Clowney

    The Packers’ pass rush has been a mess, and Clowney could be the solution. They added Barryn Sorrell in the fourth round of the draft, but relying solely on new defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington to fix things is a risk. Lukas Van Ness, their first-round pick from 2023, hasn’t lived up to expectations yet, and the pressure is mounting to fix this problem.

    Clowney isn’t just another veteran—he’s a proven Pro Bowl pass-rusher who can lift the whole defense. Pairing him with Rashan Gary would be a nightmare for opposing offenses. Clowney’s experience and leadership would take some of the pressure off Van Ness to develop without having to carry the weight of high expectations.

    A Strategic Move Against Division Rivals

    Signing Clowney wouldn’t just add to the roster—it would keep him away from division rivals like the Detroit Lions who are reportedly one of the top contenders for his services. Imagine Clowney lining up against Green Bay twice a year instead of the other way around. That’s a scenario the Packers must avoid at all costs.

    With a rotation of Gary, Clowney, Van Ness, Kingsley Enagbare and Sorrell the Packers front seven would be a much deeper and more versatile unit. That’s what could make or break their championship hopes next year.

    What’s Next for Clowney and the Packers?

    Clowney has thrown down the gauntlet and now it’s up to the Packers to respond. Signing him wouldn’t just fill an immediate need—it would send a message to the rest of the league that Green Bay means business in 2024.

    “He sent a message and the Packers better listen” one insider said.

    If the Packers want to avoid last year’s struggles they need to sign Clowney.

  • Packers Sign Linebacker Kristian Welch to Bolster Defense

    Packers Sign Linebacker Kristian Welch to Bolster Defense

    The Green Bay Packers are bringing back a familiar face to the roster. On Friday, General Manager Brian Gutekunst announced the signing of Kristian Welch, which adds depth and to the special teams unit.

    Welch was with the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens last season. He’s back in Green Bay because of his hard work and reliability, two traits that make him a valuable NFL player.

    A Veteran of the League

    Kristian Welch’s NFL career began when he signed as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens in 2020 after playing college football at the University of Iowa. Since then, the Iola, Wisconsin native has found a role as a special teams contributor and rotational linebacker.

    In his five-year career (2020-2024), Welch has played in 72 regular season games, started two of them. His primary role has been on special teams where he has 27 tackles and a fumble recovery. He’s also had 13 defensive tackles (6 solo). He’s played in seven postseason games with four special teams tackles.

    Welch’s Impact on the Packers

    Welch’s return to Green Bay feels like coming home. Last season was a trial by fire for him. He started on the practice squad, got elevated to the active roster in late September—and then played in 12 regular-season games and both postseason contests. He ranked third on the team with six special teams tackles.

    That consistency and depth are what the Packers value most. Welch’s familiarity with their system makes him a natural fit. And his leadership on special teams—plus his ability to step in when needed—is exactly what the Packers will need to navigate the challenges of the upcoming season.

    Why This Signing Matters?

    Special teams can be the difference-maker in close games. Welch excels in those high-pressure situations. His experience and hustle make him a reliable option for Matt LaFleur and Rich Bisaccia. And by re-signing him, the Packers show they’re committed to building a well-rounded roster. That’s just as important as those splashy free-agent signings that get all the headlines.

    As the Packers continue to build their 2024 roster, Welch brings stability and experience. He can make key stops on special teams or step into a bigger role on defense. That versatility is an asset. And for Packers fans, Welch’s return is a reminder that—no matter where you came from—hard work and determination can take you a long way. Welch was undrafted out of college. Now he’s back where it all started for him: Green Bay.

  • Derrick Harmon, Jahdae Barron Gain Momentum as Packers’ Draft Favorites

    Derrick Harmon, Jahdae Barron Gain Momentum as Packers’ Draft Favorites

    The Green Bay Packers are making some noise in the NFL Draft conversation after the Scouting Combine, and Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon and Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron are at the top of the list. Top draft analysts are linking the Packers to these two studs, and it’s easy to see why. Both fit huge needs for Green Bay and after the combine, it’s only more obvious.

    Why Derrick Harmon Could Be a Game-Changer for the Packers

    Derrick Harmon 6-4 ½ 313 ran a 4.95 40 at the combine. That’s rare for a man of his size. His athleticism was on full display and it matches his on field production. Last season Harmon led all FBS defensive tackles with 34 pressures and had a 10.7% pressure rate 2nd among all defensive tackles.

    What the Analysts Are Saying?

    Dane Brugler of The Athletic had Harmon going to the Packers at 23 overall and said:

    “Harmon (6-4 ½ 313) was one of two defensive tackles over 305 pounds to run under 5.00 seconds in the 40. His athleticism off the ball was reflected in his FBS best 55 pressures last season.”

    Jordan Reid of ESPN agreed:

    “Given the draft capital the Packers have used on the defensive line, the returns haven’t been as good as they hoped. Let’s get Green Bay a difference maker. Harmon is the type of interior presence needed in Green Bay alongside Kenny Clark.”

    Why the Packers Need Harmon?

    TJ Slaton is a free agent, Kenny Clark had a down year and Devonte Wyatt is entering the final year of his rookie deal. The Packers defensive line needs help. Harmon’s size, speed and disruption would be an instant upgrade for Jeff Hafley’s defense.

    Jahdae Barron: Secondary Swiss Army Knife

    Jahdae Barron is gaining a lot of steam with the Packers. The Texas Corner ran a 4.39 40 yards at the combine! He’s a little small but he’s Versatile and that fits Green Bay’s secondary perfectly. He played perimeter corner, nickel back and even some safety snaps in Texas.

    What the Analysts Are Saying

    Lance Zierlein from NFL.com sent Barron to the Packers in his post combine mock draft and wrote:

    “If Barron is still available at 23, Brian Gutekunst might run this card up to the podium. Barron’s playmaking and versatility would be a huge addition to the secondary.”

    Luke Easterling from Athlon Sports also likes Barron:

    “Jaire Alexander is on his way out and Barron’s versatility and playmaking would be a great replacement for Green Bay.”

    Why the Packers Need Barron

    Jaire Alexander is likely to be gone this offseason and the Packers need a new anchor in the secondary. Barron can play outside and inside, that gives Green Bay flexibility and his big play ability will fill the void left by Alexander.