Green Bay Packers Named Best Fit For Veteran Cornerback

The Green Bay Packers have high expectations for the 2024 season. To ensure that they achieve them, they could use some reinforcements at a few positions on their roster. One of those positions is cornerback.

Several quality veteran players are still available in free agency at the position. One of those players is Steven Nelson, who spent the last two seasons with the Houston Texans. He was very productive in Houston, totaling five interceptions and 19 passes defended in 32 games.

In 2022, he allowed an opposing passer rating of only 80.5. He improved in 2023, allowing only a 73.3. Durability has not been a concern, with Nelson playing at least 92 percent of the defensive snaps in all the games he has appeared in over the last six seasons.

Scheme versatility and reliability are two of the strengths that Nelson brings to the table. In the opinion of Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, the Green Bay Packers are one of the best fits for Nelson.

“The Packers would be wise to consider adding Nelson before the start of training camp. Jaire Alexander is a proven No. 1 corner, but Eric Stokes has yet to solidify his role. Stokes showed flashes as a 2021 rookie but was limited to 12 games over the past two seasons by ankle and hamstring injuries,” wrote Knox.

Ideally, the Packers would be starting Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes on the boundary, with Keisean Nixon in the slot. However, given the injury concerns both players have, adding a veteran of Nelson’s caliber as insurance makes a lot of sense.

There isn’t much experience at cornerback beyond Alexander. Stokes is entering his fourth season in the NFL but has played only 12 games over the last two seasons because of a myriad of injuries.

Rounding out the depth chart are 2023 seventh-round pick Carrington Valentine and 2024 rookie seventh-round pick Kalen King. The Packers are excited about the versatility of their rookie safeties bring to the table, but cornerback depth remains arguably their biggest need moving on through the offseason program.

Want the latest Packers news, rumors, and updates? Click here. If you want coverage on all other NFL teams, visit our sister site over at NFL Analysis Network. Should you want NBA coverage, you can visit our partner site NBA Analysis Network.