In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Green Bay Packers have reportedly traded their All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander to an unnamed team just weeks before the 2025 NFL Draft. According to sources close to the organization, the trade was finalized to free up cap space and acquire draft capital, with the Packers using their second-round pick to select Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison. The bold decision has sparked intense debate: can a rookie like Morrison step into the shoes of one of the league’s premier defensive backs, and what does this mean for Green Bay’s defensive strategy?
The Trade: Why Move Jaire Alexander?
Jaire Alexander, a two-time Pro Bowler and 2020 All-Pro, has been the cornerstone of Green Bay’s secondary since being drafted in 2018. Known for his elite man-coverage skills, ball-hawking instincts, and fiery leadership, Alexander was a matchup nightmare for opposing receivers. However, his tenure with the Packers wasn’t without turbulence. A 2023 suspension for conduct detrimental to the team, combined with ongoing contract discussions and a hefty $23.4 million cap hit in 2025, fueled speculation about his future.
The trade—rumored to net the Packers a first-round pick in 2026 and a veteran rotational player—signals a shift in philosophy for GM Brian Gutekunst. Facing a tight salary cap and looming extensions for players like Jordan Love and Josh Jacobs, the Packers opted to prioritize financial flexibility and youth. While the move provides resources, it leaves a gaping hole in a secondary that relied heavily on Alexander’s ability to lock down No. 1 receivers like Justin Jefferson and A.J. Brown.
Enter Benjamin Morrison: The Heir Apparent?
With their second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Packers selected Benjamin Morrison, a 6’0”, 190-pound cornerback from Notre Dame. Morrison burst onto the scene as a freshman in 2022, recording six interceptions and earning Freshman All-American honors. His 2023 season added three more picks, showcasing his knack for creating turnovers. However, his 2024 campaign was marred by a hip injury that required surgery, limiting him to seven games and zero interceptions—a red flag for some scouts.
On tape, Morrison is a polished technician with fluid hips, quick feet, and a high football IQ. He excels in zone coverage, reading quarterbacks’ eyes to jump routes, and has the physicality to jam receivers at the line. At Notre Dame, he often shadowed top receivers, holding his own against talents like Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. Yet, Morrison lacks Alexander’s elite speed (4.39 40-yard dash vs. Alexander’s 4.38) and hasn’t faced the relentless pace of NFL offenses. His injury history also raises concerns about durability, a critical factor for a cornerback expected to play 90% of defensive snaps.
Can Morrison Fill Alexander’s Shoes?
To assess Morrison’s potential as Alexander’s replacement, let’s break down the key attributes that made Alexander a star and how Morrison measures up:
Man Coverage
Alexander’s ability to mirror receivers like Davante Adams in practice and blank top threats in games was unmatched. His lateral agility and anticipation allowed him to stick to routes without grabbing, earning just 14 penalties in seven seasons. Morrison, while adept in press-man, doesn’t have Alexander’s explosive recovery speed. Against burners like Tyreek Hill, Morrison may need safety help, something Alexander rarely required. Verdict: Morrison is solid but not elite in man coverage yet.
Ball Skills
Alexander’s nine career interceptions and 69 pass breakups highlight his playmaking prowess. Morrison’s nine interceptions in college suggest similar instincts, but his 2024 drop-off raises questions about consistency. If Morrison can regain his 2022-23 form, he could match Alexander’s turnover production. Verdict: Morrison has the tools but needs to prove it against NFL talent.
Leadership and Intangibles
Alexander’s vocal presence and swagger set the tone for Green Bay’s defense. Off-field issues aside, he was a respected leader. Morrison, described as a quiet worker at Notre Dame, may not command the same presence initially. However, his coachability and film study habits could earn teammates’ trust over time. Verdict: Morrison will need a season to grow into a leadership role.
Durability
Alexander played 16+ games in four of his seven seasons, a testament to his resilience. Morrison’s hip surgery is a concern, as cornerbacks rely on explosive movements. Without a clean bill of health, he risks being targeted early. Verdict: Morrison’s durability is a wildcard.
Overall Assessment: Morrison has the raw talent to become a CB1, but expecting him to replicate Alexander’s impact as a rookie is unrealistic. Alexander was a generational talent who transformed games single-handedly; Morrison projects as a high-end CB2 with CB1 potential by Year 3 if he stays healthy.
Impact on Green Bay’s Defensive Strategy
The loss of Alexander forces defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley to rethink Green Bay’s approach. In 2024, the Packers ranked 10th in pass defense (209.1 yards per game), largely due to Alexander’s ability to erase one side of the field. Without him, the secondary—featuring Eric Stokes, Keisean Nixon, and now Morrison—lacks a proven shutdown corner. Here’s how the trade reshapes the defense:
Shift to Zone-Heavy Schemes
Morrison’s strengths align with Hafley’s preference for split-safety zone coverages, where he can read the quarterback and bait throws. Expect more Cover 3 and Cover 4 looks to mask Morrison’s inexperience in man coverage. This could expose weaknesses against precise route-runners like CeeDee Lamb, who exploit zone gaps.
Increased Safety Support
With Alexander gone, safety Xavier McKinney becomes even more critical. McKinney’s 2024 stats (7 INTs, 116 tackles) show he can clean up mistakes, but over-relying on him risks leaving the deep middle vulnerable. Rookie Evan Williams may also see more snaps to support Morrison. Pressure on the Front Seven
To compensate for a less dominant secondary, Green Bay will lean on its pass rush. Edge rushers Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness, combined with DT Kenny Clark, must generate consistent pressure to limit quarterbacks’ time. If the front seven underperforms, Morrison could be exposed, leading to big plays allowed. Rookie Growing Pains
Morrison will likely start opposite Stokes, with Nixon in the slot. Rookies often struggle with NFL speed and complexity—think Sauce Gardner’s early penalties in 2022. Teams like the Vikings (with Justin Jefferson) and Lions (with Amon-Ra St. Brown) will target Morrison relentlessly, testing his confidence. A rough start could force Hafley to simplify coverages, reducing the defense’s aggression.
Long-Term Outlook: Trading Alexander accelerates Green Bay’s youth movement, pairing Morrison with Stokes (27) and McKinney (27) for a secondary built to peak in 2026-28. However, the short-term cost could be a regression in pass defense, potentially dropping the Packers from a top-10 unit to the 15-20 range. If Morrison adapts quickly, the gamble could pay off by midseason, allowing Green Bay to maintain its NFC contender status.
Fan and League Reactions
The trade has ignited a firestorm among Packers fans. On X, posts range from outrage (“Trading Ja is a franchise-ruining move!”) to cautious optimism (“Morrison’s a baller, give him a chance”). Analysts are split: ESPN’s Matt Bowen praises Morrison’s upside but warns of a “steep learning curve,” while NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah calls the trade “a risky bet on youth over proven production.”
Rival teams in the NFC North are salivating. A Vikings insider tweeted, “No Ja? Jefferson’s eating in Week 1.” Meanwhile, the trade’s ripple effects could reshape the draft, with teams now eyeing cornerbacks like Michigan’s Will Johnson earlier to fill the void left by Alexander’s departure.
The Verdict
Trading Jaire Alexander is a high-stakes gamble that hinges on Benjamin Morrison’s ability to grow into a reliable starter. While Morrison’s tape shows flashes of brilliance, replacing an All-Pro like Alexander requires more than talent—it demands resilience, adaptability, and luck with health. For now, the Packers’ defense will take a step back, relying on scheme adjustments and team play to stay competitive. If Morrison pans out, Green Bay could emerge stronger by 2026, with a cost-controlled secondary and extra draft picks to build around Jordan Love. If he falters, the trade could haunt the Packers in a loaded NFC.
One thing’s certain: all eyes will be on Morrison when he steps onto Lambeau Field, carrying the weight of replacing a legend.