Most teams around the league have completed their minicamps, ending their offseason programs. Plenty of unanswered questions remain with respect to extensions and the fate of two high-profile corners at this point on the calendar, though. In case you missed any of the top developments from this week, here is a quick recap:
- Packers Release Alexander: After an offseason filled with uncertainty over his Packers future, Jaire Alexander has been let go. The two-time Pro Bowler was the subject of trade discussions multiple times this spring, but the two lucrative years remaining on his contract proved too cumbersome for suitors. Green Bay attempted to work out a restructure agreement, but with that falling short the team proceeded with a release. Alexander, 28, will count just over $17MM against the cap this season and then come off the books in 2026. The oft-injured corner has drawn immediate free agent interest and it will be interesting to see where he lands. A one-year deal should be in store but Alexander could prove to be an impactful summer addition on his next team.
- Cousins Preparing For Second Falcons Season: Once the Aaron Rodgers domino fell, no obvious suitors remained for a quarterback addition. As a result, Kirk Cousins appears set to handle backup duties with the Falcons despite his long-running efforts to find a new opportunity. Michael Penix Jr. enters 2025 as Atlanta’s starter, but the team is set to move forward with Cousins as an expensive backup. The Falcons have made clear their willingness to keep the 36-year-old in the fold, turning aside trade offers and declining to retain any notable portion of the guaranteed money he is owed to facilitate a deal. Cousins said during minicamp his attention has turned to managing his situation, one which will see him spend a second season in Atlanta barring an unforeseen development.
- Parsons Aims To Become Highest-Paid Non-QB: The top of the EDGE market currently sits at $40MM per year, but the likes of Trey Hendrickson and especially T.J. Watt could move the benchmark even higher. If/when that takes place, Micah Parsons is positioned to move to the top of the pecking order on his Cowboys extension. With little to no traction being gained since an informal agreement was reached with owner Jerry Jones, Parsons is intent to become the league’s top earner among non-quarterbacks. That would involve an AAV above $40.25MM at this point, but the two-time All-Pro anticipates his asking price rising in relation to Watt’s in particular. Jones has developed a reputation for waiting too long during high-profile negotiations, and this situation could be another illustration of that point. Parsons, 26, will attend training camp but does not plan on participating without a deal in hand.
- Texans Add Chubb: As expected, Nick Chubb will not be back with the Browns in 2025. With his productive Cleveland tenure in the rearview, the Pro Bowl back endured a lengthy free agent spell before agreeing to join the Texans. Chubb will play in Houston on a one-year, $2.5MM pact with the potential to double his earnings via incentives. Uncertainty lingers over how well the 29-year-old will be able to return to his previous form, given the underwhelming nature of his play when healthy last season. Joe Mixon is positioned to once again lead Houston’s backfield, but Chubb could earn himself a strong payday next spring with an effective showing as part of a tandem.
- Ramsey Still Awaiting Dolphins Departure: It has long been understood Jalen Ramsey will not play for the Dolphins again, but he is still in the organization. The seven-time Pro Bowler was an excused absence from Miami’s minicamp while a trade continues to be sought out. Ramsey’s relationship with head coach Mike McDaniel has been a talking point, and members of Miami’s staff have confirmed the parting of ways is not based on performance. At the age of 30, continuing to perform at an All-Pro level may not be expected by an acquiring team, although expectations will be high given the term and money (including $24.24MM in guaranteed salary) left on his deal.