The Green Bay Packers could have a much different look to their secondary during the 2025 campaign, as three of the team’s cornerbacks are set to hit free agency and another one of them is a trade or cut candidate.
The Packers have three pending free agents at cornerback in Robert Rochell, Eric Stokes and Corey Ballentine, and “strong indications” are that Green Bay will part with Jaire Alexander, according to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky.
A two-time Pro Bowler, Alexander will be the toughest one to replace of the group considering he’s a true No. 1 cornerback when healthy, but there will be a few strong options for the Packers if they want to replace him in free agency.
One of those options is New York Jets cornerback D.J. Reed. Bleacher Report’s Kris Knox believes the Packers are the best fit for Reed in free agency this offseason.
“The Green Bay Packers should be in the market for a steady corner like Reed,” Knox wrote. “The organization could split with top outside option Jaire Alexander this offseason, which would leave a major hole in Green Bay’s secondary. Reed could adequately fill that on a contract in the $15 million per year range that will look quite a bit more palatable in comparison to Alexander’s four-year, $84 million deal.”
Reed has already made it quite clear he has no intention of staying in New York, so he will certainly be available, and he’ll be one of the best cornerback options on the open market.
Reed flew under the radar during his time with the Jets. In 2024, Reed had one of his best seasons, with the 28-year-old giving up a completion rate of 57.1% (second-lowest of his career) and a passer rating of 87.1.
The former fifth-round pick, who operates on the boundary, has the talent to take the role of the Packers’ No. 1 cornerback from Alexander, and he would help form a solid trio with Carrington Valentine on the outside and Keisean Nixon in the slot.
Knox estimates that Reed will receive a four-year, $56 million deal, which works out to $14 million annually. The Packers are in a good spot financially, with $42.1 million to work with before making any cuts or restructures, so that contract projection is well within their means.