Tag: Green Bay

Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander against the Miami Dolphins during their football game on Sunday, November 11, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin.

Report: CB Jaire Alexander might stick with Packers

Posted on | by Field Level Media

After it appeared for months that the Green Bay Packers would trade or release cornerback Jaire Alexander, ESPN reported on Tuesday that while those options still remain, the team might also keep the two-time All-Pro.

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said after last weekend’s draft, which saw the team select Tulane cornerback Micah Robinson in the seventh round, that Alexander’s status remains fluid.

“We’ll work through that as we go,” Gutekunst said. “But no updates there, and he is on our roster right now and that’s how we’ll proceed. But we’ll figure that out as we go along.”

Gutekunst was non-committal over whether Alexander will be in a Packers uniform this fall.

“No, I’m just saying nothing’s changed,” Gutekunst said. “No updates. We’ll proceed as we go for right now, and we’ll see how it goes.”

Alexander has two years left on the four-year extension he signed in 2022. His base salary for 2025 is $16.15 million, and in 2026 it’s $18.15 million.

If Green Bay cuts or trades Alexander with a post-June 1 designation it would cost more than $7.5 million in dead money but with around $17.1 million in cap savings, according to Over The Cap. A pre-June 1 cut or trade would mean more than $17 million in dead money and roughly $7.6 million in savings.

Alexander was a second-team All-Pro and made the Pro Bowl in both 2020 and 2022 but injuries have forced him to miss most of three of the previous four seasons. He appeared in only four games in 2021 and seven in both 2023 and ‘24.

The 18th overall pick by the Packers in 2018, Alexander has 12 career interceptions with a high of five in 2022. He also has three picks in seven playoff appearances.

–Field Level Media

Fans fill the NFL draft theater viewing area for the start of the 2025 NFL Draft on April 24, 2025, outside Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.

Wisconsin residents savor Green Bay’s NFL draft spotlight

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GREEN BAY, Wis. — Fans were amazed and appreciative that the NFL’s smallest city could host one of the league’s biggest events, the NFL draft, and their mood was brightened ever more when the hometown Packers selected a wide receiver in the first round on Thursday.

An estimated 125,000 people were gathered outside historic Lambeau Field on Thursday before the start of the draft, per local news reports. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city of Green Bay had a population of 105,744 in 2023.

“This is Green Bay’s Super Bowl,” said Donnie Renard Jr., who was part of a three-generation delegation that also included his father, Donnie, and 20-year-old son, Tommy.

Renard made the trip from Wabeno, Wis., about 85 miles north of Green Bay. His son is from Wausau in the center of the state, and his dad — a lifelong Packers fan — still lives in Green Bay.

“My dad’s actually been to a Super Bowl, a Pro Bowl, the Hall of Fame Game and now the draft,” said Renard, adding that they would be back on both Friday and Saturday.

All three of the Renards were pleased with the selection of Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden with the 23rd pick in the first round. The speedy Golden was timed in a blistering 4.29 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine.

“I like it,” Tommy Renard said. “We needed a true No. 1, and I think he’s going to be it.”

Golden is the first wide receiver drafted in the first round by the Packers since Javon Walker in 2002. He spent two years at Houston before transferring last season to Texas, where had 58 receptions for 987 yards and nine touchdowns.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to go in the first round,” Golden said. “And to know that they haven’t picked a receiver since 2002, it’s truly a blessing.”

Golden said he is looking forward to playing with Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who passed for 3,389 yards last season despite missing two games, and 4,159 yards in 2023. He threw for a combined 57 touchdowns over those two seasons.

“Talented quarterback, he can get outside the pocket and make plays, and he damn sure can throw the ball,” Golden said. “I’m going to let him know as soon as I see him, ‘Man, you’ve got a reliable target. You can trust me.’ But trust is built over time, so going out there, like I said, and competing, and gaining everyone’s trust, that’s where it first starts.”

Despite being from nearby Kaukauna, about 25 miles south of Green Bay, Adam Schmidt was decked in two Minnesota Vikings jerseys.

“I became a Vikings fan in kindergarten,” said Schmidt, pulling up the outer jersey to reveal an older one underneath. “… It still kind of fits. Randy Moss.”

Schmidt said he thought the first day of the draft was a huge success, despite the size of Green Bay, or maybe because of it.

“I think it was awesome. Not just for Green Bay, but the entire area,” Schmidt said. “It’s tough to host a huge event like this while still having that small-town atmosphere. It feels awesome and I think the whole community is really proud.”

–Jim Hoehn, Field Level Media

Dec 28, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) drops back to pass against the Iowa State Cyclones in the first quarter during the Pop Tarts bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Titans select QB Cam Ward No. 1 overall in NFL draft

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GREEN BAY, Wis. — Cam Ward’s unlikely climb from unheralded high school quarterback through the college football ranks culminated in being selected by the Tennessee Titans with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday.

At Miami last season, Ward passed for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns, both single-season school records, en route to being selected the Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year.

Ward began his collegiate career with two seasons at FCS Incarnate Word before transferring to Washington State, where he played two more seasons ahead of his final season at Miami.

In his second year at Incarnate Word, he passed for 4,648 yards and 47 touchdowns. In 25 games at Washington State, he threw for 6,963 yards and 48 touchdowns with 16 interceptions. He completed 65.5 percent of his passes (644-for-983) with the Cougars.

Last season for the Hurricanes, he connected on 67.2 percent of his passes and was intercepted just seven times.

Will Levis started 12 games for the Titans last season, throwing for 2,091 yards and completing 63.1 percent of his passes with 13 touchdowns and 12 picks.

The Titans provided Ward with another target, signing former Seattle Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett to a one-year deal on Wednesday.

–Jim Hoehn, Field Level Media

Feb 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA;Miami quarterback Cam Ward (QB15) talks to the press during the 2025 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephanie Amador Blondet-Imagn Images

In Green Bay, NFL Draft wait almost over for Cam Ward, Travis Hunter

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Titletown underwent a makeover for the weekend as the 2025 NFL Draft takes place at historic Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., starting Thursday night with the first round.

On the clock since the final game of the regular season in January, the Tennessee Titans resisted trade overtures and are committed to keeping the No. 1 pick in hopes of reversing recent fortunes in Nashville.

Miami quarterback Cam Ward has been the primary prospect under consideration by first-year general manager Mike Borgonzi and second-year head coach Brian Callahan for weeks. Ward, rated as a zero-star recruit, began his journey at Incarnate Word, transferred to Washington State and then spent the final season of his five-year college football journey running the Hurricanes’ offense and set the FBS record for TD passes (158).

“I’m excited to hopefully hear my name called first to go to a great organization like that,” Ward said Wednesday.

The Titans’ franchise last had the No. 1 pick in 1978, when the then-Oilers selected running back Earl Campbell.

Callahan was part of the Bengals’ organization when Joe Burrow was drafted first overall in 2020 and Borgonzi was a scout with the Chiefs when Kansas City unearthed a franchise quarterback named Patrick Mahomes.

Ward dined with Titans brass before his pro day, where he declared he was “solidifying” his status as the No. 1 pick.

“I like confidence. I think that’s a good thing,” Callahan said. “When you’re in the conversation for the No. 1 pick there’s a lot that comes with it. To have fun with that is a good thing.”

Ward said the passing game concepts in Tennessee are similar to what he was accustomed to in Miami. He also said he’s been in touch with Warren Moon about wearing the retired number — 1 — Moon immortalized with the Houston Oilers’ franchise.

Barring a trade, the Wisconsin faithful will wait a few hours into the draft for the Green Bay Packers to make their first selection, No. 23. The Packers enter the draft with picks late in the second (54) and third (87) rounds, which take place Friday night. The final four rounds begin Saturday morning.

One position seemingly always settled in Green Bay is quarterback, where Jordan Love has a firm hold on the spot since being drafted 26th in 2020 and developing behind Aaron Rodgers. The Packers have been the youngest team in the playoffs two consecutive seasons. Rodgers was the 24th pick in 2005.

Following the 2024 draft in which quarterbacks went 1-2-3 and six were first-round picks, the landing spots for the other QBs in this class are far less certain. Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart, Alabama’s Jalen Milroe and Louisville’s Tyler Shough all have been mentioned as options in the top 32.

None are expected to be selected before Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, the two-way dynamo from Colorado who insists he can continue playing two positions as a pro.

“I believe I can do it. They said I can’t do it in college, I won the most prestigious award in college football. You still tell me what I can’t do and I’m going to go out there and do it,” Hunter said Wednesday, standing in the end zone at Lambeau Field. “Why is it important? Because I love football.”

Hunter went to the NFL Scouting Combine as a defensive back — primarily because players are grouped by position for all segments of the event — and told teams in face-to-face interviews he sees himself as a wide receiver and cornerback.

Few debate his gamebreaker ability, but teams are far from unanimous on the best way to use Hunter.

Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty could be the first running back picked in the top five since Saquon Barkley (No. 2, Giants, 2018). Jeanty can break tackles and long runs, and shared his own self-confidence in an open letter to NFL general managers this month with a reminder: “It’s tackle football, you know what I’m saying? I’d draft the guy they can’t tackle.”

Jeanty is the headliner in a deep running back class with the potential to place multiple players in the first round for the second time since 2019.

The supply of blue-chip defensive talent runs deep, starting with Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter. Depending on how Hunter is ultimately classified, Carter is expected to be the first defensive player off the board.

A converted stand-up linebacker with only one season at defensive end, Carter posted 23 sacks with the Nittany Lions but has been hampered by injuries to his shoulder and foot since the end of the extended 2024 college football season.

Carter said he’s ready for draft day to finally be here.

“I’m ready to get to tomorrow and find out where I’m going to go,” Carter said. “Wherever it is, I’m blessed to have the opportunity. I’m going to take advantage of the opportunity.”

Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, Georgia edge defenders Jalon Walker and Mykel Williams and SEC offensive tackles who’ve blocked them — Missouri’s Armand Membou and Will Campbell of LSU — are also leading options in the top 10.

The Patriots, who drafted Drake Maye behind Caleb Williams (Bears) and Jayden Daniels (Commanders) last year, are one of the teams eyeing betting pass protection under new head coach Mike Vrabel.

Pete Carroll is back in the saddle, too, after a year away and helping guide the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 6 with a fresh Jacksonville regime in between with the fifth overall pick. Jaguars’ first-time general manager James Gladstone has taken an unconventional approach to the draft, and along with 39-year-old first-time head coach Liam Coen, brings an unpredictable element to the middle of the top 10.

A pair of Michigan All-Americans, defensive tackle Mason Graham and cornerback Will Johnson, are projected to be in play for the Jaguars and Raiders. Las Vegas scored a superstar in the first round last year with record-setter Brock Bowers, the 13th pick in 2024.

Michigan tight end Colston Loveland and Penn State’s Tyler Warren are candidates to be picked in that same range this year.

When and where a second quarterback will come off the board is complicated.

Factors include talks with veterans in Pittsburgh, where the Steelers are considered the frontrunners to sign Rodgers in free agency. A similar scenario could unfold with the Cleveland Browns, who have the No. 2 pick, with reported interest in acquiring Falcons backup quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Cousins holds a no-trade clause and reportedly plans to resist waving that provision until after the draft to avoid landing in the same situation he found himself in a year ago. After signing a four-year, $180 million contract with Atlanta in free agency, the Falcons shocked Cousins and many more by using the No. 8 pick on Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

–Field Level Media

Mar 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (QB03) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

QB Jaxson Dart, DE Mykel Williams won’t be in Green Bay for draft

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Quarterback Jaxson Dart and edge rusher Mykel Williams apparently have changed their minds about being in Green Bay next week for the start of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The names of Dart, who played at Ole Miss, and Georgia’s Williams were on the initial list of 17 players set to attend. But an updated list issued Friday by the NFL showed the players no longer planned to wait in the green room in Green Bay.

Added to the list of attendees was cornerback Maxwell Hairston from Kentucky.

It was unclear Friday why Dart and Williams backed out.

While there has been much discussion about where Dart would be taken in the draft, which begins Thursday, the latest mock draft by NFL.com projects the New Orleans Saints to pick him with the No. 9 selection. The same mock draft predicts the Cincinnati Bengals will take him No. 17.

Field Level Media’s ranking of the top 100 prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft lists Williams as the No. 9 overall prospect and puts Dart at No. 64.

Cam Ward, projected to be taken No. 1 overall by the Tennessee Titans, and Jalen Milroe of Alabama are the only quarterbacks expected to be in Green Bay to wait to hear their names called.

–Field Level Media

Nov 17, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (17) warms up prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Reports: Packers signing veteran WR/KR Mecole Hardman

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The Green Bay Packers are signing free agent wide receiver and return specialist Mecole Hardman to a one-year contract, multiple outlets reported on Tuesday night.

Hardman, who turned 27 on March 12, played for the Kansas City Chiefs last season. He had 12 catches for 90 yards as well as five rushes for 62 yards and a touchdown in 12 games before suffering a season-ending knee injury at practice in early December. He also returned 20 punts and five kickoffs.

A three-time Super Bowl champion with Kansas City, Hardman has 178 receptions for 2,302 yards and 16 touchdowns in 80 career games (28 starts) since being picked by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He signed as a free agent with the New York Jets to start the 2023 season before being traded back to the Chiefs that October.

He ended the 2023 season with a 3-yard touchdown catch in overtime to win Super Bowl 58.

Also on Tuesday, the Packers officially announced the signing of former San Francisco 49ers guard Aaron Banks, 27.

The deal is reportedly for $77 million over four years, according to reports last week. Banks has started 43 of 53 games played in four NFL seasons. He was San Francisco’s starting left guard the past three seasons.

A second-round pick in 2021 out of Notre Dame, Banks started 16 games in 2022, 14 of 15 games in 2023 and 13 games last season. He missed four of the last six games in 2024 — two because of a concussion and two due to a knee injury.

–Field Level Media

Jan 5, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears place kicker Cairo Santos (8) kicks a 51-yard game-winning field against the Green Bay Packers during their football game Sunday, January 5, 2025 at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Bears end pair of losing streaks with last-second FG vs. Packers

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Cairo Santos drilled a 51-yard field goal on the final play of the season finale as the Chicago Bears broke a 10-game losing streak by edging the host Green Bay Packers 24-22 on Sunday afternoon.

The Bears’ win also snapped the longest active winning streak by a team over one opponent. Chicago had lost 11 in a row to Green Bay.

Caleb Williams moved the Bears (5-12) 47 yards to set up Santos’ heroics after Brandon McManus’ third field goal, a 55-yarder, had given Green Bay (11-6) a 22-21 lead with 54 seconds remaining.

Williams went 21 of 29 for 148 yards and a touchdown to DJ Moore, who caught nine passes for 86 yards — including an 18-yarder in the final 15 seconds before the game-winner.

Though they finished with a fourth straight losing record, the Bears won to prevent a team-record 11th consecutive loss in a single season and were victorious for the first time on the road (1-7).

Packers quarterback Jordan Love went 7 for 12 for 69 yards but left in the Packers’ fifth series with a right elbow injury and did not return.

Three plays earlier, Green Bay lost wide receiver Christian Watson, who was carted off the field with a right knee injury.

Malik Willis relieved Love and was 10 of 13 for 136 yards as Green Bay ended the season with consecutive losses.

Pro Bowler Josh Jacobs notched his eighth straight game with a rushing score, breaking Paul Hornung’s team record of seven set in 1960.

On a harmless punt seemingly headed inside the Chicago 10, returner Moore moved way to his left as if fielding the ball near that boundary. Yet the ball actually went far to the right and away from the coverage team, and Josh Blackwell caught it and dashed untouched 94 yards at 6:34.

Love helped the Packers answer by taking them 52 yards. McManus connected on a 37-yard field goal at 2:24.

Cornerback Jonathan Owens’ fumble recovery set up Chicago’s next score, a 4-yard run by D’Andre Swift for a 14-3 lead with 14:17 before halftime.

Jacobs’ record-setting run from 9 yards made it 14-10 at 11:12, and McManus made it 14-13 at the half with a 30-yard kick.

In the fourth, Williams found Moore for a 32-yard catch-and-run with 10:02 remaining for a 21-13 Chicago lead, but Green Bay’s Emanuel Wilson rambled 21 yards at 4:28 in response. Willis’ two-point pass was knocked down.

–Field Level Media

Oct 27, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) scrambles as Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker (44) pursues during the first half at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Packers QB Jordan Love (groin) ‘realistic’ to not practice, then play vs. Lions

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Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love gives himself a “realistic” chance to play Sunday against the visiting Detroit Lions, even if he doesn’t practice all week because of a groin injury.

Love didn’t practice on Wednesday, when he was limited to being a spectator and rode an exercise bike during the stretching period. He had strained his groin and exited in the second half of the Packers’ 30-27 victory last Sunday over the host Jacksonville Jaguars.

“Yeah, obviously not practicing during the week is not the ideal format for trying to play a game,” Love said on Wednesday. “Like I said, things happen, if that’s the scenario, I know I’ll be fine. But definitely it’s not the ideal scenario for going into a big week.”

Still, Love called it “realistic” that he could be on the field to face the Lions (6-1), who lead the NFC North by a half-game over the Packers (6-2).

Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur will have something to say about Love playing on Sunday, but as of Wednesday he said it “potentially” could happen.

“He’s moving around better,” LaFleur said. “We’ll see, again, we’ll take it one day at a time. Certainly, yeah, we’ll push the envelope with that. I know he wants to play, but we’ll see where he’s at by the end of the week.”

Love said he will try to get back this week, even though the team has a bye next week. Love understands he has to show LaFleur that he is able to protect himself.

“I think just being able to play, move around in the pocket and not trying to hurt myself further by playing … I think that’s what he means by that,” Love said. “But for me, just being able to move around a little bit and just be myself out there playing and not just trying to be stuck in the pocket not being able to move if I need to move.”

If Love isn’t ready to play, Malik Willis will be behind center. Willis had replaced Love in Weeks 2 and 3 when he was out due to a sprained MCL in his left knee, and the former Tennessee Titan entered in the third quarter last Sunday. Love appeared to get hurt in the first quarter and limped through several series.

Love, who turns 26 on Saturday, has passed for 1,547 yards, 15 touchdowns and a co-league-high nine interceptions in six starts this season.

Willis, 25, is 29-of-39 passing (74.4 percent) for 380 yards, three TDs and no picks in four games (two starts) in his first season with the Packers.

Green Bay was without Love at Wednesday’s session as well as running back Josh Jacobs (ankle), cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) and three starting offensive linemen in left tackle Rasheed Walker (knee), left guard Elgton Jenkins (glute) and center Josh Myers (wrist).

–Field Level Media

Oct 27, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) throws a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

Report: Packers QB Jordan Love (groin) could play vs. Lions

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An MRI confirmed that Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love strained his groin in the Packers’ win at Jacksonville, the NFL Network reported Monday.

Love’s status is day-to-day and he has a chance to play in Week 9 at home against the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions (6-1), per the report.

The Packers improved to 6-2 with Sunday’s 30-27 win over the Jaguars.

Love, who was sidelined for two games earlier this season with a sprained MCL in his left knee, appeared to reinjure the knee while throwing an incomplete pass with 11:50 remaining in the first quarter. He later went into the medical tent and returned to the game.

He limped through several series before the team announced he had a groin injury. He was replaced in the third quarter by Malik Willis, who played the rest of the game and guided the final drive that culminated with Brandon McManus’ game-winning 24-yard field goal as time expired.

Love finished 14-of-22 passing for 196 yards and one interception. Willis went 4 of 5 for 56 yards and a touchdown.

Love, who turns 26 on Saturday, has passed for 1,547 yards, 15 touchdowns and a league-high nine interceptions in six starts this season.

–Field Level Media

Oct 27, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) walks into the locker room for half time against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

QB Jordan Love exits with groin injury in Packers’ win over Jaguars

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Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love suffered a groin injury and left early in the second half of the Packers’ 30-27 victory over the host Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

Love, who was sidelined for the second and third games of the season with a sprained MCL in his left knee, appeared to re-injure the knee while throwing an incomplete pass with 11:50 remaining in the first quarter. He later went into the medical tent and returned to the game.

He limped through several series before being replaced in the third quarter by Malik Willis, who played the remainder of the game and guided the final drive culminating with kicker Brandon McManus’ 24-yard field goal as time expired.

Love finished 14-of-22 passing for 196 yards and one interception. Willis went 4 of 5 for 56 yards and a touchdown as Green Bay improved to 6-2.

Selected by Green Bay in the first round (26th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft, Love has passed for 1,547 yards, 15 touchdowns and a league-leading nine interceptions this season.

–Field Level Media