Green Bay Packers Make Bold Decision On Eric Stokes

The Green Bay Packers had a major decision to make on Thursday with cornerback Eric Stokes. The Georgia product, selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, had to have a decision made about the fifth-year option on his rookie contract.

The Packers have decided not to pick up that option, meaning Stokes will be a free agent during the 2025 NFL offseason. However, that doesn’t mean a deal cannot get done between the two sides down the road. The news was provided by Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

It doesn’t come as too much of a surprise that the Packers declined the option. It would have paid Stokes a guaranteed salary of $12.472 million for the 2025 season. That is a steep price for a player who has been unable to stay on the field in recent seasons.

After a strong rookie campaign, in which Stokes was a regular part of the defense with 935 snaps played in 16 games, Green Bay looked to have a long-term answer opposite of Jaire Alexander. Stokes led the team with 14 pass breakups and had 55 tackles with one interception.

Unfortunately, that level of production and durability has not been attained since. The former Bulldog has played in only 12 games the following two seasons. In 2022, he got off to a slow start before suffering season-ending knee and foot injuries in Week 9.

Still rehabbing from those injuries, Stokes was placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list to begin training camp in 2023. He made his season debut in Week 7, but that was short-lived as he injured his hamstring after four special teams snaps.

Only two more appearances were made later on, as Stokes’ season came to an end when he re-aggravated the hamstring issue. However, updates from Packers head coach Matt LaFleur during offseason workouts have been positive on Stokes.

That is an encouraging sign, as 2024 is a big season for the former first-round pick. This is his last opportunity to show the Packers he can be a piece of their defensive backfield long-term, or showcase his skills so that another franchise will pick him up next offseason.

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