Chicago Bears Set to Sign Rival’s $84 Million Defensive Star
The Chicago Bears are reportedly on the verge of making a major splash on the defensive side of the ball — and in doing so, they may be taking direct aim at a longtime NFC North rival.
According to league sources, the Bears are in advanced talks to sign former Green Bay Packers star Jaire Alexander, the two-time Pro Bowl cornerback who was recently released by the Packers. The move would add a proven veteran to Chicago’s secondary while also intensifying one of the NFL’s fiercest rivalries.
Alexander, 28, was unexpectedly released by the Packers last week after the team explored various options to move him via trade during free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft. Green Bay had offered him a restructured, incentive-heavy one-year contract — a steep departure from his original four-year, $84 million deal signed in 2022 — but Alexander declined the offer, ultimately leading to his release.
When healthy, Alexander has been one of the league’s most effective cover corners. However, durability has become a concern. He has missed 21 games over the past two seasons, including the Packers’ most recent postseason appearance, due to various injuries.
Now a free agent, Alexander appears to have no shortage of suitors — and perhaps even a chip on his shoulder after his unceremonious exit from Green Bay. While teams like the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings reportedly remain interested and have more salary cap space to work with, the Bears are making a strong push to land the former rival standout.
According to BearsWire’s Mike Pendleton, signing Alexander could serve a dual purpose: upgrading the cornerback room and stoking the flames of the Bears-Packers rivalry.
“Adding [Alexander] to the Bears roster would ignite more fuel to the rivalry,” Pendleton wrote. “Alexander’s biggest flaw has been his injury history and lack of availability in recent seasons, but he would provide some depth to the Bears’ secondary at the cornerback position.”
Chicago’s secondary already boasts strong talent in Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, both of whom received contract extensions over the past year. However, the competition for the No. 2 cornerback spot remains wide open heading into training camp, with Tyrique Stevenson, Terell Smith, and rookie Zah Frazier battling for roles.
Bringing in a veteran of Alexander’s caliber could push the group to a higher level — assuming he stays healthy. A pairing of Johnson and Alexander would give head coach Dennis Allen a dynamic duo capable of locking down opposing wideouts.
Still, financial concerns and roster priorities could complicate the deal. Chicago has been cautious with spending this offseason and still needs reinforcements at running back. The team exited minicamp with only seventh-round rookie Kyle Monangai added to the backfield despite hinting at a potential major addition earlier in the offseason.
Nonetheless, if finalized, the Alexander signing would represent one of the most dramatic moves of the Bears’ offseason. It would not only strengthen a key defensive unit but send a bold message to their bitter rivals in Green Bay: the Bears are ready to compete — and they’re not afraid to do it with one of the Packers’ former stars.
