Packers Move Bo Melton to CB, Paving the Way for Jordan Love to Land Commanders' 39-TD Pro Bowlerđ
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Green Bay, WI â June 16, 2025 â The Green Bay Packers made headlines Monday by releasing cornerback Jaire Alexander after failed contract talks, prompting a surprising move to convert wide receiver Bo Melton to cornerback. The decision could pave the way for a blockbuster trade to acquire Washington Commandersâ star wideout Terry McLaurin, potentially reshaping the teamâs roster around quarterback Jordan Love, sources told ESPN.
Alexanderâs Departure and Contract Standoff
The Packers and Alexander, a two-time Pro Bowler, spent the offseason negotiating a new deal. Alexander, seeking a significant pay increase, clashed with the teamâs reluctance to commit due to his injury historyâmissing at least 10 games in three of the last four seasons, per Pro-Football-Reference.com. âThe Packers likely want a restructured deal that pays Alexander fully if heâs healthy in 2025 but protects the team if injuries persist,â Zach Kruse of Packers Wire wrote.
Amid talks, trade discussions surfaced, with Alexander reportedly open to a move if no agreement was reached. He skipped voluntary workouts but stayed in daily contact with the team. âWhile speculation swirled, passing game coordinator Derrick Ansley told ESPNâs Rob Demovsky he communicated with Alexander daily during his absence,â Chris Schad of Dairyland Express reported. Ultimately, the Packers cut Alexander, freeing $17 million in 2025 cap space, per Spotrac, but leaving a gaping hole at cornerback.
Bo Meltonâs Position Switch
To address the void, the Packers made an unexpected move, transitioning wide receiver Bo Melton to cornerback. Melton, a 2022 seventh-round pick, has shown athleticism with 16 catches for 218 yards in 2024, per ESPN. His speed and instincts could translate to the secondary, where Green Bay leans on Eric Stokes and Keisean Nixon. The shift, however, sparked speculation about a larger strategy.
Targeting Terry McLaurin
Packers writer Jacob Morley of FanSided believes Meltonâs move signals a potential trade for McLaurin, a 39-touchdown Pro Bowler. âShifting Melton to CB opens the door for GB to pursue Terry McLaurin,â Morley wrote. McLaurin, embroiled in a contract dispute with Washington, is a prime trade candidate. His 2024 statsâ77 catches, 1,002 yards, and four touchdowns, per Pro-Football-Reference.comâmake him a tantalizing target for Love, who threw for 3,848 yards in 2024, per ESPN.
Acquiring McLaurin could force Green Bay to part with receivers Romeo Doubs or Christian Watson, as the team balances its $20 million 2026 cap space, per Spotrac. âMcLaurin would be a high-value weapon for Jordan Love,â Morley noted, highlighting his fit in Matt LaFleurâs offense. Fans on X, like @PackersPride, buzzed with excitement: âMcLaurin and Love? Thatâs a Super Bowl combo!â
A High-Stakes Gamble
The Packersâ decision to cut Alexander and reposition Melton reflects GM Brian Gutekunstâs bold roster-building approach. Trading for McLaurin would bolster an offense already featuring Jayden Reed, while Meltonâs development at cornerback could stabilize the secondary. However, losing Doubs or Watson risks depth, and McLaurinâs $24.1 million cap hit in 2025 poses challenges, per Spotrac.
As training camp nears, Green Bayâs moves signal ambition after a 2024 playoff run. Will McLaurin don green and gold, and can Melton fill Alexanderâs shoes? The answers could define the Packersâ 2025 season. Stay tuned to ESPN for updates on this unfolding saga.