Packers Use Jaire Alexander Void Years to Add Salary Cap Flexibility After Christian Watson Deal
Green Bay, WI — September 11, 2025
— The Green Bay Packers have turned to a creative financial tool to balance their books following wide receiver Christian Watson’s one-year, $13.25 million extension. By activating the void years tied to former cornerback Jaire Alexander’s contract, the team has freed up crucial salary cap space for the 2025 season.
Alexander, released after June 1 amid a contract dispute, left behind prorated signing bonuses that still count against Green Bay’s cap. With the void-year mechanism, the Packers have opted to spread the remaining dead money into 2026, lightening the financial burden for this year.
The timing is significant. Watson’s extension added notable cost to Green Bay’s cap sheet, and with injuries and roster adjustments always looming, the front office sought to ensure the team has room to maneuver. The newly created flexibility allows the Packers to pursue midseason signings or emergency replacements without jeopardizing long-term stability.
General manager Brian Gutekunst framed the decision as a forward-looking move. “Our goal is to remain competitive today while protecting the roster for tomorrow. Utilizing void years gives us that balance,” he said.
While the approach increases dead cap obligations in 2026, it’s a tradeoff the Packers appear willing to accept. Financial creativity has become a hallmark of teams chasing sustained success, and Green Bay is no exception.
For fans, the reminder of Alexander’s lingering financial footprint is bittersweet. Once the centerpiece of the secondary, his exit still echoes through the cap sheet even as the team invests in new stars like Watson.
Still, the strategy underscores the Packers’ commitment to maximizing their current championship window. With Jordan Love emerging as the franchise quarterback, every dollar of flexibility counts as Green Bay positions itself in the NFC race.
Ultimately, whether this maneuver pays off will depend on how effectively the Packers use the space. But one thing is clear: Green Bay isn’t standing still when it comes to cap management — they’re sharpening their financial playbook for the battles ahead.












