The NFL offseason is heating up as teams begin to assess their rosters and strategize for the future. The Green Bay Packers, who finished the 2024 season with 11 wins but saw their playoff hopes dashed early by the Philadelphia Eagles, find themselves at a crossroads with star cornerback Jaire Alexander. The talented player, who signed a hefty four-year contract worth $84 million, is facing growing speculation about his future with the team amid reports of potential cuts.
Alexander has been plagued by injuries, participating in only seven games over the last two seasons, and missing 34 games due to various injuries since joining the NFL. This has raised significant concerns for the Packers' management. ESPN's Bill Barnwell stated, "Potential candidates for release: CB Jaire Alexander. The more difficult decision for Green Bay will come at cornerback, where Alexander's future with the organization is uncertain." The dilemma hinges on Alexander's projected payment of nearly $17.2 million in 2025, none of which is guaranteed, forcing the team to weigh its financial commitments against the player's availability and performance.
"They can afford to pay him in the hopes they see him on the field regularly, but are they actually going to get returns on their investment?" Barnwell questioned, reflecting the challenging position the Packers find themselves in. With Alexander's injury history overshadowing his on-field production, management faces tough decisions about whether to keep him or redirect those funds toward healthier players likely to suit up throughout the season.
Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers are actively eyeing potential reinforcements as they look to shore up their wide receiver corps ahead of the 2025 season. General Manager Omar Khan has expressed disappointment over previous attempts to secure prominent receivers such as Brandon Aiyuk and Davante Adams. Although the Steelers added Mike Williams, the acquisition failed to inject the expected vitality to their offense.
A fresh target has now emerged: Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals. Following his recent talks about hitting free agency—primarily due to the Bengals’ priorities focused on retaining star player Ja'Marr Chase—Higgins has captured the attention of the Steelers. Reports from Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan suggest the Steelers are determined to pursue Higgins vigorously, with financial offers potentially exceeding their previous attempts to acquire other receivers. "We really have our eyes on Qinghiggins," Fillipponi highlighted, reflecting optimism from the Steelers’ side as they move to strengthen their lineup.
Higgins, who completed the 2024 season under the franchise tag, is poised to command interest this offseason, potentially drawing offers of up to $30 million annually. Although he has previously played second fiddle to Chase, Higgins is no slouch on the field, boasting two 1,000-yard seasons and demonstrating his capability as a first-choice receiver.
Despite his talents, Richards’ injury history is notable—he's missed 10 games over the past two seasons, which raises red flags for the Steelers. The financial projections suggest Higgins could secure a four-year, $112 million contract, which would not only reflect his impact on the field but would significantly reshape the Steelers’ offensive options.
If the Steelers succeed, adding Higgins alongside existing receiver George Pickens could revamp their offense, marking the partnership as a potential strategy to shift dynamics and secure long-term stability at the position.
Meanwhile, the Bengals are feeling the pressure of keeping their top players amid potential financial constraints. Duke Tobin, Cincinnati's director of player personnel, has openly acknowledged, "Let’s find something for everybody because he is someone we want to have here." His remarks follow concerns about balancing Higgins’ contract demands and retaining other key players like defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who has also made noise about earning his worth due to stellar performance metrics.
The difficulty lies within the Bengals' payroll as they aim to simultaneously satisfy Higgins, who has indicated he seeks substantial pay, and Ja'Marr Chase, who commands priority consideration based on potential contributions to future successes.
Tobin added, "We have other guys who are trying to take big bites of the apple in other areas, and we’re going to have to balance those as we go forward." The Steelers, poised for potential transformation, are prepared to seize the moment, with fans eager to witness significant roster upgrades.
Overall, the saga of Jaire Alexander's potential exit from Green Bay—the inherent risks of accumulating talent with injury concerns—and the Steelers' proactive pursuit of Tee Higgins encapsulates the complex and often challenging decisions NFL teams face during the offseason.