49ers tabbed as potential suitor for polarizing $84 million Pro Bowler

The San Francisco 49ers have lost some key players this offseason. They could look to replace Charvarius Ward with a two-time Pro Bowler from the Green Bay Packers.

Ward signed a three-year, $54 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts this offseason. His departure leaves a hole in the 49ers' secondary. The Green Bay Packers could be looking to move on from Jaire Alexander, although the situation is still fluid. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer suggested the 49ers could be a landing spot for him.

"I could throw the San Francisco 49ers, (Los Angeles) Rams, (Pittsburgh) Steelers and (Kansas City) Chiefs out there as teams that entered the draft with needs at the position, and didn’t take corners in the first two rounds of the draft," Breer said of potential landing spots for Alexander in trade. "The question, to me, comes down to money. He’s due $17.5 million this year. And, because of his recent injury history, that’s shown to be a bit rich for interested teams. Alexander, meanwhile, would rather be cut so he can pick his destination, and he might not be willing to help with a contract adjustment to facilitate a trade."

Alexander's situation with the Packers has taken some unique turns this offseason. During the team's locker cleanout, he declined to speak to the media, citing that he may not even be on the team next season, according to NBC's Kelly Hallinan. ESPN's Rob Demovsky had reported that Alexander and the Packers were headed for a divorce as well.

However, general manager Brian Gutekunst has remained steady in saying the Packers are still working through things with Alexander. The Packers drafted just one corner in the NFL Draft, Micah Robinson, in the seventh round. Now, Demovsky is reporting that the two sides are now working toward reconciliation.

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"According to a source, the Packers and Jaire Alexander continue to talk about a possible resolution, which could include a reconciliation to where Alexander plays for the Packers in 2025 after all," wrote Demovsky on X. "All options are still on the table: release, trade or return."

Alexander signed a four-year, $84 million deal in 2022. His contract makes him very difficult to trade, and the 49ers will not want any part of his $24 million cap hit this season and a $27 million cap hit next year. However, if the Packers release him, the 49ers could be in play.

He is a two-time Second-Team All-Pro and one of the best players in the league when healthy. However, injuries have plagued him throughout his career. Injuries are not the only concern with Alexander. He was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team in 2023, after sending himself out for the team's coin toss. He is also been outspoken to the media when he is displeased with his team.

The question for Alexander moving forward will be whether or not teams are willing to put up with injury and character concerns to get, or, in the Packers' case, keep, his talent on their team.

More NFL: Chiefs-Packers trade idea would bring $84 million superstar to Kansas City