Silverstein’s sources add that the Packers were close to dealing Alexander near the start of free agency, but that the combination of “trade compensation and Alexander’s willingness to alter his contract to fit the other team’s salary cap have made it difficult to close a deal.” We’ve been blurbing about Alexander’s situation all offseason and nothing has changed to this point. If the draft passes without a trade, we’re likely headed to a place where the Packers would be more compelled to release or keep him than trade him.

Gutekunst said almost the exact same thing back in February while also acknowledging that the two sides could be headed for a split. Alexander, 28, appeared in just seven games last year due to injury but said he had “nothing good to say” about the organization after their playoff run ended in the NFC Wild Card Round. Speaking at the NFL owners meeting, Gutekunst said the team would like to get something in return for Alexander if possible, but with two years left on his deal and his recent injury history, a trade could prove difficult to pull off.

Welch has had an adventurous two-year span. The special teams standout left the Ravens roster after the 2022 season, signing on with the Packers in 2023. He then spent the 2024 season playing for the Broncos (Weeks 1-6) and Ravens (Weeks 7-Divisional Round). He now returns to Green Bay, where he previously tallied a career-high six special teams tackles in 2023. Welch has earned at least a 69.9 PFF special teams grade in 3-of-5 NFL seasons.

Hardman has spent all but five games of his six-year career with the Chiefs. Mostly playing as a gadget receiver and return specialist, Hardman has won three Super Bowls with the Chiefs and made the Pro Bowl as a returner during his rookie season. He ventured outside of Kansas City for the Jets in 2023, but headed back to the Chiefs after just one catch in five games. Hardman returned 20 punts for 203 yards and five kicks for 132 yards last season. The Packers add him as reinforcement, though his traits overlap with Jayden Reed’s and he is unlikely to see a consistent role unless Reed is out. Expect Hardman to primarily operate as a returner for the Packers.