The Jaire Alexander trade market, Packers free agent plans, and more nuggets from the NFL combine

The NFL combine holds the keys to the offseason, often for reasons that have nothing to do with potential draft picks. We unload the notebook on intel we're hearing from Indianapolis.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Green Bay Packers leaked their willingness to trade a former All-Pro cornerback in the middle of the NFL combine, and it rated behind a newsbreaker beef at Starbucks in newsworthiness out of Indianapolis. That’s because the L.A. Rams and Matthew Stafford stare down a potential trade, the best defensive player in football doesn’t want to be in Cleveland anymore as half a dozen players are publicly beefing with their teams, and no one has any idea what to make of the top of this draft, especially at quarterback.

With every decision-maker, agent, coach, and leak-happy reporter in the league at the combine, there’s plenty to talk about, especially after a few Old Fashioneds at St. Elmo’s, people will talk.

Here are some of the things The Leap gathered while in Indy during the week.

Jaire Alexander’s market

While the popular narrative from Packerland is “lower your expectations on a Jaire Alexander trade,” that was not the feeling I got in Indy. Even with the injury history, Alexander will have plenty of interested teams. While they understand the Packers are ready to move on, this interest will likely drive action from teams hoping to secure Alexander’s rights and a reasonable salary for the next two seasons if the former All-Pro cornerback can stay on the field.

The popular link right now is with the Jacksonville Jaguars and former linebackers coach Anthony Campanille heading to Duval as Liam Cohen’s defensive coordinator. Cutting or trading Christian Kirk as expected would save $15 million on the cap this year, essentially covering Alexander’s contract this season.

A league source told The Leap not to be surprised if the Jags, desperate for defensive difference-makers, give up an early Day 3 pick for Alexander.

On the other hand, the Packers have to balance their desire for maximizing draft capital with the reality of their situation. They may be willing to agree to lower compensation from a team like the Jags in the AFC to avoid Alexander winding up on a division or conference rival.

Either way, there’s a real desire from teams to get Alexander, and waiting to see if the Packers cut him is not an option, at least for the moment.

Packers free agent plans