Carrington Valentine hasnt even scratched the surface of the cornerback he could become

Wes Hodkiewicz

Nathan from Laramie, WY

Greetings, Wes! Have you considered perhaps that the platypus may be your spirit animal? Although innocuous in disposition, manhandled they have a venomous sting.

Oh, we're getting deep here in Insider Inbox.

Jeff from Littlefork, MN

Getting this in as the news breaks regarding Jaire. Thanks for the memories "23"! I remember watching the draft when we got him. He was doing a post-selection interview in his red three-piece suit and bow tie. He interrupted his own interview when he overheard the news that his college teammate, Lamar Jackson, was selected late in the first round. So much more about others than himself. I bought his jersey before he ever played a snap for the Packers. I will miss him in our secondary. Wishing you good health, sir!

I will forever be a Jaire fan. As I've previously stated, Alexander is one of the most misunderstood players I've covered. There are many layers to the person behind the two-time All-Pro cornerback. He's a kind-hearted dude and a beloved member of the Packers' locker room. You heardXavier McKinney,Jordan LoveandKeisean Nixonall speak to that this offseason. Football is a business, though, and it probably was in the best interest of everyone to start fresh. Wishing Jaire well on the next step in his journey. He's overcome a lot in his life to get where he is today and still has a lot of good football ahead of him in my humble opinion.

Jeff from Montclair, VA

Fair winds and following seas, Jaire. It was fun while it lasted. I'll always remember him photobombing the TV reporter in front of Lambeau after his suspension. I hope he heals up and finds success elsewhere. What's your favorite memory?

Christmas Day 2022 in Miami. That game (and his postgame interview) perfectly captured Jaire Alexander, the player and person.

Jay from Land O' Lakes, FL

Guys, is the CB room deep enough?

Absolutely. I mean, the Packers were a top five defense last year despite Alexander playing only seven games. This offseason, they added one of the top all-around cornerbacks on the market inNate Hobbs. I think they'll be fine with Hobbs, Keisean Nixon, andCarrington Valentineas their top three CBs.Javon Bullardprovides additional support with his ability to play inside, as well.

Shawn from Kissimmee, FL

So, what are the thoughts about Jalen Ramsey now that Jaire has been released? About three years older, less injury history, taller...wouldn't be exactly who I'd want, but could work for a year.

We'll see what route Brian Gutekunst and the front office choose to go, but I believe Valentine has earned the right to be in the conversation for a permanent role in the secondary. He's answered the bell every time the Packers have needed him and was playing his best ball at the end of last season. Valentine is also just 23 years old. He hasn't even scratched the surface of the cornerback he could become.

Al from Green Bay, WI

Like my II colleagues, I will miss the impact that JA can have on a game. But let's take the "glass half full" approach. I recognize that the cap savings will be very useful as the Pack looks to re-sign some of their key players in the next couple of years. Which current Packers are most likely to benefit from the increased cap space?

The Packers cleared a good chunk of cap space by releasing Alexander, specifically after June 1. They also have several players who will be unrestricted free agents after next season, includingQuay Walker,Christian Watson,Romeo Doubs,Zach Tom,Rasheed Walker,Sean Rhyan. Green Bay has plenty of room to make whatever moves it sees fit.

Venny from Montgomery, AL

Do player agents have the freedom to discuss potential contracts with other teams while a player is already under contract? I would assume that Jaire had an understanding of his market value prior to holding out on a contract restructure with the Packers.

Not unless the team grants permission for the player and his agent to seek a trade. With that, I'm gonna stick a pin in the rest of the Alexander questions until after Matt LaFleur addresses the media after practice this afternoon.

Andrew from Chicago, IL

Wes,reading your piece on Tomreminded me of David Bakhtiari another fourth-round tackle whose recognition was delayed but eventually bloomed. Tom is on a similar rise, and Green Bay usually pays guys like that early, so I had to look up when Bakh signed his second contract. Turns out the Packers extended him between Weeks 1-2 of 2016, showing these deals can happen anytime, even after summer has departed us. Tom is critical, in my view. And now I'm more confident they'll get it done.

Tom is a real asset. He's not only been a top-tier right tackle the past two seasons but also someone who can play at a premier level anywhere on the offensive line if injuries occur. Again, I don't sign the contracts around here, but that doesn't seem like someone to let leave the building. Tom is a budding star on the O-line.

Chase from Diamond Springs, CA

Chili, no one would blame you for choosing TV over any of those stadiums. I've not been to the new LA stadium, but I wasn't particularly impressed with Levi's Stadium. While the Lambeau Field benches may not be your cup of tea, just go prepared knowing that those are the seats. I'm certainly not the most travelled when it comes to stadiums, but I've been to a few (Coliseum, Candlestick, Levi's, Metrodome, Alamodome, and other sports venues) and nothing compares to Lambeau. Go, you must!

Coming to Lambeau is more than just attending a Packers game. Every home game is a celebration of football, which is part of the reason the NFL Draft was so special. While major cities construct billion-dollar, all-purpose venues, this small town is quite literally built around its NFL stadium.

Brandon from North Vancouver, Canada

The dead time of summer is approaching, so this may be early. I waswatching the mic'd up with Matt LaFleur, he andLuke Musgravemade it sound like Luke has his pilot's license. Are there any fun stories about it? Or an upcoming profile? P.S. Your whole media team is excellent.

Respectfully, I'm not getting in an airplane any more than required. I can't remember if we talked about this before, but Musgrave had a funny post-practice interaction with Larry McCarren in Denver last August. Larry asked Luke if he had a second to talk after the joint practice with the Broncos. "It depends," Musgrave said. "Can I fly your plane?"

Dustin from Kansas City, MO

Of all the Packers games you have attended, what game sticks with you the most? Maybe a blowout you didn't see coming, a big comeback win, the atmosphere of the stadium, or just some small moment that made it stick with you for unexpected reasons.

At Lambeau Field, it's tough to beat the Patriots game in 2014. It featured Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady at the peak of their powers and was the most well-played game I've seen. On the road, it's either the 2013 regular-season finale in Chicago or the 2016 NFC Divisional playoff game in Dallas; both for obvious reasons.

Mark from Bellevue, WI

Recently Sean Rhyan made the news regarding missing an NFL bonus by a snap or two. I also recall reading that players may earn a performance bonus at the end of the year, based on their earning status in relation to other players. Is this money coming directly from the NFL and as such, does it have an impact on the salary cap?

The proven-performance escalator would've counted towards the salary cap. The measure is written into the collective bargaining agreement to reward Day 3 draft picks who have played at least 35% of the total snaps on their respective side of the ball. The performance-based pay distribution is something different. While also a collectively bargained benefit, the PBP is a separate fund that compensates all players based upon a comparison of playing time and salary. It does not count towards the cap.

Davy from Watertown, WI

MT5 had a nice rundown of some of the details aboutpotential NFL players in the Olympics. I've also seen some comments by current flag football players that express skepticism that NFL players will be able to just jump in and dominate. I get that it is a very different version of football, but I also know NFL players are in the NFL for a reason. What is your guess as to how it will all shake out?

I don't know enough about players who specialize in flag football to make an educated comment on how NFL players would perform in such a setting. I still have doubts about whether NFL veterans are willing to assume the injury risk of playing flag football in a competitive setting. Also, how might preparation for the Olympics affect a player's participation in the offseason program unless major changes are enacted? Sure, a veteran could skip it but how would an extended absence affect a young player on the bubble?

Dave and Germantown, TN

Have any NFL or ex-NFL players ever participated in the Olympics? I see potential for players in track and field and weightlifting or wrestling.

More NFL players than you'd think have participated in the Olympics, especially in the league's early years. More recently, Nate Ebner (2016) participated in rugby and Lawrence Okoye (discus), Marquise Goodwin (long jump), and Jeff Demps (sprints) all participated in track and field in the 2012 London games.

Mike from Brookfield, WI

What is James Campen's role with the team? How did he impact the selection of the offensive linemen in the draft as well as the UDFAs?

Campy serves as a consultant to Gutekunst and the Packers' scouting department. While I don't have knowledge of his exact day-to-day responsibilities, you gotta assume offensive line fits in Campen's expertise and purview.

Dale from Prescott, WI

In regards to the red jerseys, is each player assigned a red jersey at the beginning of the season, or do they just make those up as hurt players need them?

I believe the equipment staff and sewing team put those together as needed, but I'll ask Chris Kuehn next time I see him.

David from Lewisburg, PA

Regarding Terry Bradshaw's No. 12, it's my understanding that it's not officially retired, but the team doesn't typically give it out. So, it's unofficially officially retired.

Trueand this probably wouldn't be optimal time to bust it back out given everything that's played out in the media over the last month.

Charles from New Berlin, WI

Hello II, Wes used the word platypuses for the plural word for the animal. ATMR(WCBW), the correct word would be platypode seeing that the Greek word for foot is pous. I wrongly assumed platypi was correct but that would be for a Latin genus. Platypuses is an acceptable term. Did Wes know this, or did he have to confirm the usage with Miriam-Webster?

I used the Google machine for that one.

Gregg from Arlington Heights, IL

Wes, the other NFL writers would not be surprised by the number of submissions II receives if they read your work. You and Mike are special because you personalize your replies and we can relate. For example, instead of your grandfather, for me, it was my dad. Instead of fishing it was hunting. For me, it's been nearly 40 years. So, in my mind, I can see you sitting beside your grandfather while I remember watching the sun rise over the lake while sitting next to my dad in our blind. Thanks.

Amen, brother. Over the weekend, I thought about how the only time I've technically fished since my grandfather passed away was the catfishing excursion I went on with Mitchell Henry's dad and brother in 2019. Coincidentally, that also was the first time Terry and Ben had been fishing since Mitchell passed away. I golf with my dad. I fished with my grandpa. That was our thing. I just haven't had any desire to do it without him.

Tom from Tapiola, MI

Meat-Hod, haha. You are probably too young to get the instant vision I did of Archie Bunker reading II, eh? I really do appreciate you guys and the whole media department for making being a Packer fan even a bit more fun. I read and listen to everything on the site. The style of your Zach Tom story seemed to perfectly match the man that you were writing about. I'll sign off before I perseverate, haha.

Reference fully understoodthat same grandfather also raised me on "All in the Family."

Brian from Fort Atkinson, WI

Wes, never say never. Just as you have fond memories fishing with your grandpa, it may become something little Hod has memories he cherishes of you and him doing.

You never know.

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