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USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
NFC North watch: Packers are releasing Pro Bowl CB Jaire Alexander
NFC North watch: Packers are releasing Pro Bowl CB Jaire Alexander The Detroit Lions are off for a few weeks, but the NFL never sleeps. One of Detroit's division rivals is going to look different after a roster move on Monday. The Green Bay Packers are releasing Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander, according to numerous reports. Alexander's release has been expected, as the former All-Pro has struggled with injuries over the last couple of seasons. As Packers Wire colleague Zach Kruse notes, Alexander was Brian Gutekunst's first ever draft pick and a two-time All-Pro at a premium position, but significant injuries suffered during three of the last four seasons frustrated both sides and necessitated change, either in compensation for 2025 in Green Bay or a new team for the player. Injuries forced Alexander to miss both of Green Bay's losses to Detroit in the 2024 season. He also missed both Lions-Packers matchups in 2023. Alexander, Green Bay's first-round pick in 2018, recorded one INT, four PDs and 24 total tackles in seven games against the Lions. The move saves the Packers over $17 million in cap room for 2025, adding some $7 million in dead cap space. Green Bay is very unproven at cornerback as the Packers head into 2025. Packers Wire notes their depth situation at CB,
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
First look at first-round pick Matthew Golden in full Packers uniform
The NFLPA's Rookie Premiere provided a first look at Green Bay Packers first-round pick Matthew Golden in his full green-and-gold uniform. The Rookie Premiere is a four-day event connecting first-year players with potential business and marketing opportunities. Among the Packers' eight draft picks, Golden and third-round pick Savion Williams were invited. Advertisement Golden posted this look from the Premiere to his official X account: The Packers used the 23rd overall pick in the 2025 draft on Golden, the team's first first-round pick at wide receiver since 2002. The speedy former Texas star will wear No. 22, a non-traditional number for a receiver. Golden's reasoning for picking No. 22 can be found here. The full 2025 class, including Williams, can be seen here: Packers Wire will add additional photos posted by Golden, Williams and the Packers from the event as they become available. This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: First look at first-round pick Matthew Golden in full Packers uniform
USA Today
19-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Scouting Florida football's former WR Chimere Dike ahead of the 2025 NFL draft
Scouting Florida football's former WR Chimere Dike ahead of the 2025 NFL draft The Florida football program looks to continue its tradition of sending former players to the professional ranks through the NFL draft this year, with several alumni lined up to be taken among the 257 selections next week. Among those expecting to hear their name called sometime within the 2025 NFL draft's three-day event is wide receiver Chimere Dike, who spent one season in Gainesville after transferring from Wisconsin to spend his final year of eligibility with the Orange and Blue. While it was hoped that his pairing with former teammate Graham Mertz would help fuel Florida's offensive resurgence, instead, he established his presence as a punt returner as well as a target for DJ Lagway. It turned out to be a solid season for the Cheese State native, which could very well translate into a professional contract this spring. Below is a breakdown of Dike's stock heading into the draft in a question-and-answer format exchanged with Packers Wire's Brennan Rupp. What did Dike mean to the Florida offense? Dike was an important target for Lagway (and Mertz before him) out of the slot last season, earning him starts in 11 of 12 appearances. Additionally, his speed and versatility came in handy in many facets of the game. His role on both offensive and defensive special teams also contributed to Florida's overall success. It's worth noting that he was the primary punt returner for the Gators, leading the SEC in return yardage with an average of 16.5 per. Every team can use a jack-of-all-trades like Dike and Billy Napier was wise to snag him out of the transfer portal last offseason. What would you say is Dike's greatest strength? Speed. Not just sprinting speed, but also lateral speed and the ability to quickly adjust his momentum on the fly. That synergizes well with his elite route-running skills and playbook IQ. These are the talents that will benefit him at the professional level. How is Dike's route running? As noted before, on the offensive side of the ball, that is his carrying trait. His body control allows him to be right where he needs to be when the pass arrives, plus he has the athleticism to accommodate throws that might not be quite on the mark. What does he offer after the catch? Not as much as one might think given his punt return skills, as evidenced by his 6 yards after catch stat for which PFF has him tied at 154th among other wide receivers. His smaller physique makes him a bit slippery, but he has not shown the ability to absorb major hits while continuing the play. Is Dike willing to do dirty work as a blocker downfield? Despite his diminutive size (in comparison to the defensive linemen and linebackers), he is willing to throw his body at defenders and was utilized in this role regularly lining up in the slot. I would have concerns about his frame handling NFL-level physicality, but the willingness and motivation are there. If you were an NFL GM, why would you draft Dike? Dike is one of those guys you just love having on your roster. His versatility, football IQ and heart are the trifecta of a true team player, and he is the kind of athlete who will find a role somehow. I probably would not use a higher pick on him, but if the later rounds arrive and he is still available, he could be worth a shot. If not, he will definitely land somewhere as a UDFA. Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
USA Today
04-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Packers hosting Texas WR Matthew Golden on official pre-draft visit
Packers hosting Texas WR Matthew Golden on official pre-draft visit The Green Bay Packers are hosting Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden on an official pre-draft visit ahead of the 2025 NFL draft, according to Bill Huber of Golden posted a story on his Instagram account showing him flying into Green Bay on Thursday night, suggesting the visit is set for Friday. Every team is allowed to host up to 30 prospects on visits before the draft. It appears the Packers will use one of their 30 on a speedy playmaker. Golden (5-11, 191) ran the 40-yard dash in 4.29 seconds, the fastest time by a receiver at the NFL Scouting Combine. The Houston transfer caught 58 passes for 987 yards and nine touchdowns across 16 games with Texas last season. Over three collegiate seasons, Golden caught 22 touchdown passes and returned two kickoffs for touchdowns. Golden is currently the No. 19 overall player on the consensus big board, suggesting the Packers -- who hold the No. 23 overall pick -- would have to use a first-round pick to acquire him later this month. Golden was excellent in big games for Texas last season, producing 162 yards against Georgia in the SEC title game and 149 yards against Arizona State in the College Football Players quarterfinals -- both wins for the Longhorns. "Golden's starting-level traits and big leap forward as a go-to playmaker have him primed to become a productive catch-maker with the potential to develop into a WR1 in the future," Lance Zierlein of wrote of Golden in his draft profile. Could the Packers break an over two-decade run without taking a first-round receiver by taking Golden at No. 23 overall? The team will have a full evaluation profile on Golden after attending the Texas pro day and bringing Golden to Green Bay for a visit. The Packers certainly have a need at receiver, where Christian Watson is recovering from a torn ACL and is entering a contract year, Romeo Doubs is coming off a season with two concussions and a bizarre one-game suspension, and both Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks struggled to finish catches. A draft pick at receiver could be needed to help charge up the passing game in 2025 and stabilize the position in 2026 and beyond. Golden was the No. 64 player on Brennen Rupp's "Unpacking Future Packers" draft preview series at Packers Wire. Packers Wire's full tracker of the team's 30 pre-draft visits can be found here.
USA Today
02-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Packers center Josh Myers expected to have 'strong market' in free agency
Packers center Josh Myers expected to have 'strong market' in free agency Green Bay Packers center Josh Myers is expected to have a "strong market" in free agency, according to reporting from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler at the NFL Scouting Combine. Myers, a second-round pick of the Packers in the 2021 draft, has an expiring rookie contract and will be hitting unrestricted free agency when the new league year begins later this month. The Packers love Myers' toughness and leadership, and there is real value in the quarterback-center relationship, but it's possible Myers will go down the Jon Runyan Jr. path this offseason. Last year, the Packers let Runyan's rookie deal expire, and he found a nice market waiting for him before signing a new deal worth $10 million per season with the New York Giants in free agency. Myers has started 56 regular season games and four playoff games for the Packers. He suffered a leg injury in the Packers' playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in January, but Dan Graziano of ESPN reports Myers is fully healthy after the injury scare. Packers Wire dug into the reasons for and against re-signing Myers. Our final prediction was Myers would sign elsewhere this offseason. Could a replacement for Myers be found in free agency? Graziano reports the Atlanta Falcons are preparing to lose starting center Drew Dalman, who also has an expiring rookie contract. Packers Wire profiled Dalman as a potential free agent target here. Fowler expects Dalman to "do well" in terms of finding a big deal on the open market. The Packers also have several in-house options. Starters Elgton Jenkins, Sean Rhyan and Zach Tom all have center experience, and 2024 fifth-round pick Jacob Monk was a center at Duke. The Packers are also returning 2024 first-round pick Jordan Morgan from a shoulder injury, and he could be the starting replacement -- likely at guard -- while the Packers reshuffle the look of the starting five without Myers. The legal tampering period for free agents begins March 10. The new league year opens March 12. By next week, Myers' future in Green Bay should be decided.
