By Sunday 
Balancing Loyalty and Roster Efficiency in Green Bay
The NFL offseason always brings difficult decisions, and for the Green Bay Packers, this year is no different. With 11 unrestricted free agents and key veterans on costly contracts, general manager Brian Gutekunst faces a delicate balancing act—keeping the right talent while maintaining financial flexibility.
Among the biggest decisions is kicker Brandon McManus, whose arrival midseason brought stability to a shaky special teams unit. At the other end of the spectrum is cornerback Jaire Alexander, a former All-Pro whose future in Green Bay remains uncertain.
Here’s a breakdown of where the Packers stand on key free-agent decisions.
Toughest Goodbye: Will the Packers Move on From Jaire Alexander?
Jaire Alexander’s talent is undeniable. When healthy, he is one of the NFL’s premier shutdown cornerbacks. However, availability has been a growing concern. For the second consecutive season, Alexander played just seven games, finishing with two interceptions and seven pass breakups before undergoing knee surgery.
Financially, the Packers have a tough call to make. Releasing Alexander would save nearly $6.8 million in cap space for 2025, with even more savings—over $17 million—if designated as a post-June 1 cut.
Publicly, Gutekunst has been careful with his words. “I know it’s been really, really frustrating for not only him as a player, but us as a club,” he admitted. That frustration may be signaling the end of Alexander’s time in Green Bay.
Re-signing on a Budget: Depth Pieces With Special Teams Value
While Alexander’s case is complex, several free agents fall into the “re-sign if cheap” category.
Core special-teamers like defensive backs Corey Ballentine and Robert Rochell, as well as tight end Tyler Davis, could return on veteran-minimum deals. Davis, a favorite of special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia, has battled injuries but remains a valuable depth piece.
Potential Retentions: Evaluating Value Over Cost
Some Packers free agents could return—but only at the right price.
- Josh Myers (C): The former second-round pick has started every game when healthy, but his price tag could approach or exceed $10 million per year. The Packers have options, including shifting Zach Tom to center or developing Jacob Monk.
- T.J. Slaton (DT): A critical piece in Green Bay’s improved run defense, but with Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt already in place, his role may be limited.
- Isaiah McDuffie & Eric Wilson (LBs): Both played significant snaps in 2024, but the emergence of rookie Edgerrin Cooper could make one of them expendable.
The Must-Keep: Brandon McManus Stabilized the Kicking Game
If there’s one free agent the Packers should prioritize, it’s kicker Brandon McManus.
After years of inconsistency following Mason Crosby’s departure, McManus brought reliability, making 50 of 51 kicks in the regular season. While he did miss a short field goal in the playoffs, his overall performance left no doubt that he remains a high-level kicker at 33 years old.
“If we were able to get Brandon back, I think certainly that would make me feel very, very, very good about that [specialist] group,” Gutekunst said.
Given his track record and the Packers’ struggles at the position, McManus’ return should be a no-brainer.
A Strategic Offseason Ahead
Every offseason forces NFL teams to weigh talent, cap space, and future potential. The Packers have some difficult choices to make, especially regarding Alexander’s future. However, with a strong young core in place, Green Bay will aim to strike the right balance—retaining key contributors while setting themselves up for sustained success.