Packers Jaire Alexander Passed On Highest Paid Defensive Back List

In 2022, the Green Bay Packers and cornerback Jaire Alexander worked out a contract extension. It was a deal that the 2018 first-round pick out of Louisville certainly earned with his performance on the field.

The two sides agreed to a four-year, $84 million deal, which was a record-setting agreement. That contract made him the highest-paid defensive back in the NFL, earning $21 million annually.

It was a title that Jaire Alexander held through the 2023 offseason, but two years later, has been dethroned. Earlier this week, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and star safety Antoine Winfield Jr. agreed to a contract that barely surpassed what the Green Bay Packers signed their star cornerback to.

Winfield and the Buccaneers agreed to a four-year, $84.1 million deal that includes $45 million in guarantees. His new contract barely beats the one Jaire Alexander signed, as Winfield now holds the title as the highest-paid defensive back in the NFL. 

He now holds the mark as the highest-paid safety as well. Green Bay Packers free agent signee, Xavier McKinney, is fourth on that list after agreeing to a four-year deal worth $16.75 million annually in March.

Earlier this offseason, Tampa Bay placed the franchise tag on Winfield, hoping to work out a long-term deal. They had until July 15 to work out a long-term deal and got something done well before the deadline even became an issue.

Winfield was one of nine players to have the franchise tag placed on them this offseason. Only one of them, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, has yet to work out a long-term deal as he also requested a trade from the team.

The Green Bay Packers certainly hope that Higgins stays with the Bengals, or at least in the AFC, as it would be one less star receiver for Jaire Alexander to worry about matching up against on a consistent basis.