The Green Bay Packers, like any NFL team, rely on their high-paid players to provide leadership and standout performances on the field. These players are often expected to carry the team and deliver on the promise of their lucrative contracts. However, this season has seen a few Packers stars who are not performing at the level commensurate with their hefty paychecks. The following are four of the highest-paid Packers who are not currently meeting the expectations set by their contracts and are under pressure to turn their performances around.
### 1. **Kenny Clark (Defensive Tackle)**
Kenny Clark has long been considered one of the anchors of the Packers’ defensive line, but his performance this season has raised eyebrows. Clark signed a four-year, $70 million contract extension in 2020, making him one of the highest-paid defensive tackles in the NFL. The deal came with high expectations for Clark to continue his dominance in the middle of the defense, providing both the ability to stop the run and generate pressure on the quarterback.
However, Clark has been relatively underwhelming this season, especially in terms of his pass-rushing production. As of the mid-point of the season, Clark has just a handful of sacks and has failed to consistently disrupt the quarterback. While he is still effective against the run and commands attention from offensive lines, his lack of impact in passing situations is concerning. For a player being paid as one of the elite defensive tackles, the Packers expect more from Clark in terms of both sacks and pressures.
One of the major reasons for Clark’s struggles is the inconsistency of the Packers’ defensive front as a whole. The absence of a dominant edge rusher has allowed opposing offensive lines to focus more on Clark, limiting his opportunities to get to the quarterback. Even so, Clark’s contract demands that he be more of a game-changer, particularly in passing situations. He needs to show he can demand double-teams and still make an impact on the quarterback, especially if the Packers want to contend for a playoff spot.
### 2. **Jaire Alexander (Cornerback)**
Jaire Alexander, considered one of the best cornerbacks in the league, signed a four-year, $84 million extension in 2022, making him one of the highest-paid players at his position. Alexander is known for his ability to shut down top receivers and his overall versatility in the secondary. However, his performance this season has not lived up to the level of play expected for a player making this amount of money.
While Alexander is still regarded as a top-tier cornerback in the NFL, he has had several games this season where he struggled to match the level of dominance that earned him his massive contract. Alexander’s coverage skills, while still strong, have been inconsistent, and he has allowed more big plays than in previous seasons. One of his key strengths—his ability to lock down top receivers—has been less apparent in 2023, leading to questions about whether his contract is truly justified given the lower-than-expected level of production.
It’s important to acknowledge that Alexander’s struggles could also be due to the Packers’ overall defensive issues. The lack of pass-rush pressure has given opposing quarterbacks more time to find open receivers, which puts additional strain on cornerbacks. However, for Alexander to fulfill the expectations of his contract, he must perform at a consistently elite level—shutting down star receivers and making game-changing plays.
Additionally, the Packers’ defensive philosophy has evolved with new defensive coordinator Joe Barry, and Alexander’s ability to adjust to these changes while maintaining his high level of play is crucial. Whether it’s taking on more responsibility in a zone-heavy scheme or facing more dynamic matchups, Alexander needs to prove he is still the shutdown corner that Green Bay paid for.
### 3. **Aaron Jones (Running Back)**
Aaron Jones is one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL after signing a four-year, $48 million deal with the Packers in 2021. Known for his explosive speed, pass-catching ability, and consistent production on the ground, Jones has been a reliable weapon in Green Bay’s offense for several years. However, this season, he has yet to perform at the level that justifies his contract.
Jones has been dealing with injuries, including a troublesome hamstring issue, which has limited his time on the field. When healthy, his production has been inconsistent, and he hasn’t been the game-changer that the Packers have relied on in previous seasons. His yards per carry is down, and he hasn’t been as effective as a receiver out of the backfield. For a player of his contract value, Jones needs to be a consistent, every-game contributor to the Packers’ offense, especially considering that Green Bay’s passing game has been inconsistent with first-year starter Jordan Love at quarterback.
Part of Jones’ struggles may be linked to the Packers’ offensive line play, which has not been up to its usual standard. The line has had issues with run blocking and has struggled to open lanes for Jones to gain consistent yardage. Despite these challenges, the Packers still need Jones to elevate his game when given the opportunity. In a season where Green Bay is transitioning to a new quarterback, a consistent, productive running back is vital to keeping the offense balanced.
Jones’ ability to break off long runs and maintain a high level of play in the red zone is especially important for a team that may struggle to put up points through the air. For the Packers to succeed, Jones needs to stay healthy, find consistency, and prove that he can still be a reliable and dynamic force in their offense.
### 4. **David Bakhtiari (Offensive Tackle)**
David Bakhtiari, a cornerstone of the Packers’ offensive line, is one of the highest-paid tackles in the NFL. Signed to a four-year, $92 million extension in 2020, Bakhtiari has been widely regarded as one of the league’s best left tackles. However, injuries have severely impacted his performance and availability over the past two seasons, and the 2023 campaign has been no different.
Bakhtiari has struggled with knee issues that have limited his ability to play consistently. While he has returned to the field at times, he hasn’t been able to recapture the form that made him a perennial Pro Bowler. His inability to stay healthy has had a direct impact on the Packers’ offense, especially with the team transitioning to a new quarterback in Jordan Love. The offensive line has struggled in pass protection, and the absence of Bakhtiari at full strength has only compounded the issue.
The Packers need Bakhtiari to return to his previous level of play in order to protect Love and establish a more effective running game. Left tackle is one of the most important positions on the field, and when Bakhtiari is not at his best, the entire offense suffers. If Bakhtiari cannot stay healthy and regain his Pro Bowl form, it will be difficult for the Packers to compete in a tough NFC North and the broader NFC playoff picture.
### Conclusion
The Green Bay Packers have several high-paid players who are not currently living up to their contract expectations. Kenny Clark, Jaire Alexander, Aaron Jones, and David Bakhtiari all have a significant amount of money tied to their performances, and their struggles are contributing to the team’s overall inconsistency. For the Packers to have any chance of making a deep playoff run, these players must rise to the occasion and meet or exceed the standards set by their contracts. Whether it’s battling through injuries, stepping up in key moments, or adjusting to new roles, these high-paid Packers must perform at a much higher level if the team hopes to reach its full potential.
