Jaire Alexander’s release saved the Packers cap space which could be used in trade with Browns
The roster of any NFL team is never finished. It is why most in the media have finally gone away from the “final 53-man roster” lingo for the more appropriate “initial 53-man roster.” Even the 90-man roster brought into offseason activities sees change over time, including the Cleveland Browns shuffling two offensive linemen on Monday after making two moves last week.
The Browns roster is not without talent, but they could kick the tires on CB Jaire Alexander, who was released by the Green Bay Packers on Monday.
Even if Cleveland GM Andrew Berry isn’t interested in Alexander, the Packers could have interest in one of the Browns cornerbacks, with Greg Newsome II seemingly the most likely trade candidate. As shared by Acme Packing Company, Green Bay opened up significant cap space with Alexander’s release:
As a result, the Packers will reduce their salary cap number by just over $17.1 million this season and approximately $17.5 million next year. That’s a total of $34.6 million in cap space opened up over two years, which will have a massive impact.
Given the Packers glut of talent at the wide receiver position, Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson or Dontayvion Wicks could interest Berry with the two teams exchanging players from their deeper talent positions. Like Newsome, Doubs and Watson will hit free agency at the end of the season, while Wicks has two seasons left on his contract.
Green Bay drafted Matthew Golden in the first round, then added Savion Williams on Day 2 to go with Jayden Reed as additional weapons for Jordan Love. The release of Alexander leaves only Nate Hobbs, mostly a slot player, as a proven veteran corner on the Packers roster.
Zac Jackson of The Athletic sees a path for a trade to be made in the future:
Not now, but months from now you can envision some sort of Greg Newsome for a GB receiver framework. https://t.co/nJd0CrUBRW
— Zac Jackson (@AkronJackson) June 9, 2025
For Cleveland’s Berry, adding a receiver while dealing from one of his deepest positions could help whoever starts at quarterback and create a more dynamic offense in 2025. If a deal was made and the new receiver impressed, a contract extension to keep continuity could ensue as well.