How Concerned Should We Be About Green Bay’s Offseason Drama?

If you exclude aging quarterbacks waffling over what they want to do the following season, the Green Bay Packers have always done a great job limiting offseason distractions.

So far, 2025 has been a different story. So, how concerning is all the drama?

Let's start with the Jaire Alexander conundrum.

The star cornerback saw another season cut short by injuries, playing in just seven games for the second season in a row. Alexander has played in just 34 of the last 68 regular-season games.

Given the price tag attached to him, uncertainty swirled about his future in Green Bay, starting all the way back in January. Alexander did nothing to quell those concerns when he said he didn't even know if he'd be back in Green Bay at the season’s end. All indicators pointed toward a split.

Now, reports from ESPN's Rob Demovsky dating back to the end of April have speculated about a reconciliation that would see Alexander back with the Packers in 2025.

The problem with Alexander isn't related to his ability. He's still performing at a very high level when he's on the field. The problem for the Packers is forking over the money they owe Alexander when he has repeatedly proven he can't stay healthy.

If the Packers can restructure Alexander's deal for 2025 and lace it with incentives, it's a win-win for both sides. Alexander stays put where he has enjoyed playing for defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, and the Packers get a deal that largely depends on how much Alexander plays.

There's still a chance the Packers trade or release Alexander, so until this dilemma is resolved, it will continue to be a dark cloud hanging over Titletown.

And then there’s the usually drama-free wide receiver group.

Running back Josh Jacobs ruffled feathers in February when he said the Packers needed to get a true No. 1 wide receiver this offseason. Even after praising the current group on 97.3 The Game, the masses ignored a crucial part of his statement because the focus was on what Jacobs said after the opener.

Sounds innocent enough on the surface, but wide receiver Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks didn't take it that way. Reed voiced his displeasure in a since-deleted tweet, and Wicks put the laughing emojis followed by a thumbs-down to the original tweet of Jacobs talking.

The hot air intensified after the draft in which the Packers selected wide receivers Matthew Golden in the first round and Savion Williams in the third round. Adam Schefter reported that Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst had to meet with Reed's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, to clarify Reed's status and standing with the team as the top receiver.

How worried should the Packers be about all of this?

There are a lot of mouths to feed on this offense, which is great for quarterback Jordan Love. Simply put, winning can sweep a lot under the rug. If the Packers start this season with a bang and pile up wins early, it will largely put this drama to rest.

It should also be noted that Reed is already helping to mentor Golden, according to Green Bay’s passing-game coordinator, Jason Vrable.

There will be some angst with Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson entering contract years while Reed and Wicks are set to do the same next offseason. Some of that can be alleviated early on by sharing the wealth and winning games.

Lastly, we can't forget about Elgton Jenkins.

Jenkins will be moving from left guard to center in 2025. By all accounts, Jenkins has been receptive to the move but is sitting out, hoping to reach a new deal. As things currently stand, Jenkins has two years left on his deal. It will expire when he's 31 and is set to turn 32.

Green Bay has a history of not hashing out deals with players once they turn 30. Given that Gutekunst has said he believes Jenkins can be an All-Pro at center, the Packers may have an exception to that rule.

Jenkins has every right to sit out now for a new deal. It will test Green Bay's philosophy of how they typically handle players his age seeking a third deal. If the Packers work out a deal, all is solved. If they don't come to an agreement and Jenkins continues to sit out this summer, this issue could get thorny.

Offseason drama is rare in Green Bay. This time around, several conflicts are piling up that the front office will have to address, one at a time. Alexander's situation should be the first domino to fall. Winning games starting in September can cure a lot of it.